It has been 3 years past since I wore that mask. 3 years of locking away the pain and agony I had to gone through. 3 years of being an outcast towards the world. I was then reminded of that dreadful winter.
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Cross Faction is an RPG game that Takagi and I have been playing for some time. Takagi was notably good at this, he was even invited to join a prestigious guild which joins into international competition. However, Takagi waved off that invitation since he claims he was only playing for fun.
"Oi Takagi! Can I enter?", I knocked on his door.
"Sure, just come in!", I heard Takagi's voice from the other side of the door. With the green light given, I went into his room.
"Still playing Cross Faction?", I asked.
"Can't you tell bro?", he replied. I took a closer look at his computer screen, and the famous Vyper was there fighting off 2 other guys.
One of the enemies was a tanker, guys who are able to take on a lot of hits thanks to it's huge HP, with the name DarkBringer. The other one was a mage, which my guess is, an offensive mage. DarkBringer charged forward to make him the center of attention. Takagi, however, used a spell on him to delay his movements for 10 seconds (or so Takagi said, I don't remember all his spells). He used the 10 second delay to attack the mage behind the tank. The mage was unable to use any skill since he was the type of mage, which Takagi claims, who needs a long casting time. Vyper finished off the mage using a combo Takagi likes to use, Firestrom followed up by Magic Sapper. With this combo, he said he was able to lash out enormous damage while regaining quite a decent amount of Magic Points (or MP for short) to use. Takagi then attacked the tanker while deactivating all his equipment's bonuses with a skill of his (Again, I don't remember every spell Takagi possesses). He then calls out all of his big guns to finish off DarkBringer.
"Dang it!", DarkBringer said through the chat. "How can you be so good at Cross Faction, Vyper?", he said.
"I don't know. I just think of the best possible outcome with all the possibilities I can do... I guess.", Takagi answered. "Still, you're pretty decent at playing this too, DarkBringer.", he continued.
"I still don't get it, why wouldn't you join the Realm Takers?", DarkBringer asked.
"I don't really have much time to play games. I also don't plan to make a living out of it. I simply play them to kill time hahaha.", Takagi answered.
"I see... By the way I got a clan battle to fight. See you around?", DarkBringer asked.
"Sure. Good luck on your clan fight.", Takagi answered. DarkBringer went off to his battle afterwards.
"So.. What do you need bro?", Takagi asked me. To be honest, I wasn't sure what I was doing. I just thought I could waste time watching Vyper take out some guys.
"I don't really know hahaha.", I answered him.
"Sometimes you're wierd bro...", Takagi said. "By the way, I'm gonna pack up for that school trip I'm having tomorrow.", he continued.
"I see. How long is it before you came back?", I asked.
"Around 3 days if we stick to the plan.", he said. "Of course, I wouldn't be the one who accidentally kicked some other student's shoe to a river and had to retreive it.". Both Takagi and I laughed after he said that. I was actually the one who accidentally kicked a classmate's shoe to a river, and was forced to retrieve it afterwards. It wasted around half a day just finding the shoe, which I fortunately found ashore on a river bank. This caused me to arrive almost at midnight, which was scheduled to be at 1 p.m.
"Would you not remind me of that accident? That was so hilarious I couldn't even say sorry with a straight face to my classmate. Haha-", I was stopped when Takagi and I heard a sound like a window broke. We hurried downstairs and found what was the cause of the noise. It was no other than our parents fighting again.
"You selfish idiot! Can't you think more than just your selfish needs?!", our mom shouted from one side of the kitchen. In front of her was a plate broken into pieces which seems like the cause of the crash-like sound just now.
"I think for myself? Who do you think pays for all those pieces of cloth you never used? You're the one who's basically wasting my money here!", our father shouted back.
"Well all you ever did is just slouch around doing nothing in the house!".
"I deserve to do anything I want since I'm the one making the money around here! You on the other hand don't have the right to spend my money as if you just won a lottery!".
"You know what?! I'm sick living with your stupid made-up rules! You want to be the only royalty in a family, then have it!".
"SHUT UP!", I screamed out as I punched the wall. This causes everyone to look at me, all with a surprised expression on their face. "Why can't we just have one day, just one single God damn day in this 16 years I spent alive without any stupid fights between you two?! Why can't I just have a simple peaceful family to be in?!", I continued. My parent's face turned into looks of guilt as they just heard what I have been suppressing this whole time.
I pulled back my hand from the wall and found out that I was bleeding. I refused to stay any longer in this house. I took my hoodie I left on a couch and walked out of my so-called house. I'd figure I might just crash in one of my friend's house for the night since I was on term break anyways.
"Where are you going bro?", Takagi asked.
"Where does it look like? Out.", I said as I stormed off.
"No wait! Bro!", Takagi tried to stop me. He was too late though. I was already too pissed off by my parents.
It seemed as if forever for me to just get to the park I usually use to think and reflect my life. My brain was filled with all the unwanted thoughts of my parents. I ran and ran to the park, but it just feels like time just rolls backwards in my head since my thoughts were still in the place I don't feel I belong.
I knew Takagi was going after me, but he won't be following for much longer. I always cut through a construction site and went to higher grounds from there. From the construction site, I went through the roofs of the houses between the construction site and the park. I'm used to free running since I was pretty much doing it almost everyday since I was 12 years old. Takagi however, mostly stick to staying in front of his computer, either pro-gaming or programming. He wouldn't be able to get to me. Besides, he was never knew of the park I like to go to.
I sat on a bench which shows off the rest of the city, since the park was built on top of a hill. All the houses below lined up perfectly. The sun was just about to say goodbye to this city, hiding behind the comfort of the mountains. For a second, I thought this was a nice scenery, but it waved off quite quickly.
I hate this city. I hate this fate I was given to live through. Every single day I always felt as if I was simply returned to a prison. I wasted most of my days out of that prison. I don't know what I was doing, I pretty much just went around town and mess around.
I wanted to live in an apartment, away from all the messed up things back at that prison. However, both my so-called parents disagreed with me. They said things about living as a family, living in harmony together in a perfect place called home. What a bunch of lies. Acting as if they were living with common sense, but all they knew was the contrary. The only thing I ever did in that prison was play Cross Faction, look for a suitable part-time job, and sleep.
"Not rare seeing you here.", a voice said behind me. I recognized that voice. It was Kisama Hisako, a childhood friend of mine.
"Nice to see you too, Hisako", I replied. She sat beside me, also staring at the sunset presented before us.
"What's up this time?", she asked.
"The regular. Messed up life of mine back at a place I don't wish to call home", I said.
"Sooner or later you're going to need to learn how to live as a family.", she said. Usually if someone says anything like this, I'll be angry. But when Hisako said it, it always calms me down. I don't know either it's the way she speaks or the face she made when saying it, but it worked.
"The later, the better. I have every other people to care for except for those two.", I snapped back in a reluctant manner. Hisako sighed afterwards.
She knew it isn't going to be easy for me to be able to live with my family peacefully, but deep down I know she was trying her best. Each time after she lectured me about being with a family, I felt like I might want to try to do so. But whenever I walked back through the front door of my so-called home, the atmosphere always made me forget about her words.
"It's getting late. I'm going home. You should too.", she said.
"I'm thinking about crashing at Yoshiro's place", I replied.
"No, you're not. You're going back home. Or should I escort you back home?".
"Fine fine. I don't need your escort.".
"Good, see you later.", she said. I nodded.
I always knew that I can always lie to her and eventually end up at Yoshiro's place, but there's this part of me that never could make myself lie. No matter how terrible the outcome might be, but I just can't lie. It was probably the sense of righteousness that I had since I was small.
I opened the gates of my so-called home. I sighed before opening the door. As I opened the door, I realized there was no one in the house besides my dad who was sitting on the couch with his hands holding his head.
"Where's Takagi?", I asked.
"He's not back yet. So is that lady.", my dad replied. I was rather confused by him calling my so-called mom 'that lady' rather than 'my mom'. However, I shook it off my head.
"What? How can he not be back home yet?", I was rather shocked.
"I don't know. He's a good kid, he wouldn't go home late.", my so-called dad replied.
"Well then we're gonna need to look for him! Not staying here doing nothing!", I shouted at my so-called dad. Takagi is someone important to me, probably the most important person. He was the one who kept me stay sane in the whole jeopardy I was living in.
"There is something I have to tell you.", my so-called dad said softly as I was about to leave.
"It can wait.", I snapped back.
"No it can't!", he shouted back at me. I was surprised. He never yelled straight at me. I just realized how fearsome he could be.
"Sit down there.", he continued while pointing at the other end of the kotatsu. I was in a rather shock, but followed what he said afterwards. I followed what he wanted since this is the first time he had shouted right at me, so I thought it was very important.
"What is it?", I asked.
"It's about your past.", he said. There was some pause before he continued, as if gathering courage before continuing. "Your present mother isn't your biological mother."
Friday, February 14, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Chapter 7: The Life I'm Too Scared to Live
One would say that loneliness and solitude can be considered the same thing. It is basically so, but there's one appealing difference. Loneliness is the fear. Solitude is the glory. We are social beings, we lust for solitude but yet fear of loneliness. Those who chose the path of solitude are the ones who fears loneliness, and is willing to chase solitude to be noticed by others. But in reality, there are also people who chose the path of loneliness. A path which most people say is a path of a mad man. A path which will take someone to utter desperation and eternal anxiety. A path of sheer destruction of one's self. But truth be told, the more lonely someone is, the more human they are.
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West of Stoneridge was the infamous ridge, which legend says was due to a battle fought back in the older age. It was the story of The Battle of Stoneridge. A massive war broke out between two factions. Stonehaven, a famous city known as the crossroads of the world, was believed as the capital of the losing side of the battle. At that time, the opposite faction had already attacked the western side of the city. The losing faction's supreme leader was faced between two choices; to admit defeat to the opposition, or to turn the tides by destroying more than half of the city. The leader had chosen to turn the tides by destroying his own city rather than admitting defeat. He ordered his warriors to prepare explosives and create a barrier for the blast. They threw everything they had to destroy the other half of Stoneridge.
In the final days of the battle, the losing faction emerged as the victors, but has made a selfish decision. More than 8000 lives were sacrificed just to achieve a glory. Innocent blood mixed with blood of killers stained the west side of the once glorious city. This was believed as a downfall of the empire, as chaos spreads out of control due to a single man's decision. Alas, it was simply a story of how the mighty have fallen.
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I sat on top of an old 20-story watch tower near the ridge facing towards the ridge. It was a regular place for me to be, as I always came there to think. In my mind was a scene that happened 3 days ago, the moment I left Ridgeview without giving an answer to Barrios or Val.
I knew they trusted me, but I was the one who had problems with trusting someone. I grew reluctant to the fact I am living with other people in this world, both the real world and this world. I live by myself and for myself. But now, I felt guilt as I have distrusted those who believed in me. I can see it from Val's eyes, the look of broken hope. I knew I am used to live my own way, but I always had a sense of righteousness deep down. I had always ignored it, but now it wants to change the way I am.
The next morning...
I woke up to a bright light shining down on my face. It was the sun blazing straight to my eyes. I didn't realize I slept on top of the tower. I checked my menu and noted that it was already 10. I climbed down the watch tower and aimlessly walked through the town. Before I realized, my feet took me to Ridgeview Crest. I looked at the door and realized that it was closed. I felt that there was something wrong.
I rushed around town, hoping to be able to see Val and apologize to her. I know I messed up, and I want to make it right. I went everywhere I might think she might be, but wasn't sure where she is either.
I rushed around town, hoping to be able to see her and apologize without knowing why. I rushed towards the market, knowing she might be buying some supplies for her restaurant. She wasn't there. I checked the square for a possibility she might be taking a day off. She wasn't there either.
I noticed that Barrios was in the town square. Apparently, he noticed that I was too. I tried to slip away, but he was able to get to me before I left the scene.
"Strange of you not to use Stalker.", Barrios said.
"I can only Stalker if I'm in-", I was cut off before I continued.
"The shadows.", Barrios said while pointing at where I was standing. I realized I was standing in the shadows this whole time, but it never hit me that I could just Stalker away.
"You're really off today, huh? And 3 days ago you wanted to finish off your business with that underground guild.", he reluctantly said.
"I get it. You can skip the 'I told you so' section and cut to the chase", I replied.
"Straight forward as always, aren't you X? Well, I dispatched some of my guys to investigate this matter. They found a lead somewhere near the first floor gate.", he told me. " Still, if you're thinking about soloing this thing, I'm not letting you.".
"Why aren't you just letting me go?", I asked him.
"There's something about you that will kill you sooner or later. I don't want anyone I know to die pointlessly. So I'm basically preventing you before that happens.", he said.
"Since when are you my guardian?", I asked him. However, he acts as if I did not ask him anything.
"What were you doing here? It's not like you to be wandering in a crowded place like this.", Barrios asked.
"None of your business.", I reluctantly said.
"If you're looking for Val, she's taking a day off to go hunting. She's in the South Crater Forest.".
"Is that... The forest to the southwest of Stoneridge?", I asked. Barrios noticed the panicked look on my face.
"Yeah. Why?", he asked.
"I was ambushed in that forest last time", I replied. Barrios looked panicked after hearing what I said. He rushed immediately into the direction of the forest. I knew what was on his mind, but with a sense of panic, it would be a disadvantage on our accord.
"Wait up Barrios!", I caught up to him at the south gate of Stoneridge. He stared at me as if we don't have much time left. I am aware of this but I needed to calm his insecurity for it to be a winning fight.
"Look, you can't panic at a time like this.", I said.
"How is it that I won't panic? You know Val's in danger.", he said with an enraged tone.
"If you panic, we'll lose for sure.", I replied. This seemed to have calmed him down.
"We don't know how many of them are there at the moment, but we do have the element of surprise. I want us to use this to our advantage.". Barrios nodded in agreement.
"I'll act as a scout until we find Val. I'll stick to the trees and give you heads up from there. I need you to be as stealthy and focused as you can. If I tell you to take down a target, I want you to take him down the fastest way possible.", I continued. Barrios nodded that he understood. "Be warned, that as a scout, I will not be able to help you in combat, since it will blow my cover. At least, until we find Val.".
"Let's get on with it already.", Barrios said. I nodded in agreement. I was about to go scout but Barrios held my shoulder. "Thanks. You calmed me down a lot.", he said. I nodded.
"You can be a great leader I think", he continued.
"We both know that would be impossible.", I said. I started my scouting as Barrios prepared his new-and-improved backsword.
I sticked to the treetops to scout out targets for Barrios to take out. There were some monsters, but no sign of those hooded guys yet. The day turned into night, still no sign of Val or those hooded guys. South Crater Forest is one of the largest are in the first floor, so I did thought that it will take some time to find Val, but not this long.
I was about to tell Barrios that we need to pull out for the night as it was dangerous for the both of us, but suddenly a scream came from somewhere nearby. It was a female scream. Both Barrios and I stared at each other and nodded in unison, we're going to the direction of that scream.
"Let me go!", the voice shrieked. I moved faster through the treetops and found out who the voice belonged to. It was Val's. She was surrounded by 5 other guys, all with gray hoods.
"Calm down miss. We're not going to hurt you. After we're done with you, you will be set free", a guy said followed by an evil laugh. I knew where this is going, I have to stop them.
Another guy was grabbing Val's clothes, attempting to strip her down. I threw a throwing knife at a guy beside him to start creating a distraction. The guy shrieked, this caused all the others to look at him. I used this moment to get close to them with Stalker and stabbed the guy holding Val on his back. This causes panic on those 5 guys. They weren't prepared for this.
I threw the guy I stabbed at the guy I hit with a throwing knife earlier. They were knocked off their feet, giving me time to handle the others. Among the remaining 3, one was a rogue, another one was a fencer, and the last one was an assassin. The rogue immediately pulled out his katana and attempted a slash at me. I dodged him, but the rapier used a blowback attack which knocked me over. It didn't end there. The assassin did a form of double slash with his butterfly sword.
I was ricocheted and fell near Val. Val checked my face, wondering who is it that tried to save her. As soon as she saw my face, she looked shocked to found out that I was the one saving her. I smiled at her and got up to fend off the attackers. All 5 of them are ready to fight, whereas the other 2 were a defender and another rogue. I checked my health bar, it was somewhere lower that 50% left.
"What do you think you're doing kid? Playing a hero?", the defender asked. Obviously, I did not answered him.
"My my.... Looks like this guy is mute. I do have one piece of advice kid, anyone who plays a hero will die out of his overconfidence.", the assassin continued. I smirked. All the attackers and Val noticed this. The rogueran out of patience and charged at me. I threw my dagger at him to startle him. The moment he was startled, I rushed at him and kicked him on his torso. I snatched his katana and took back my dagger.
I held the katana on my right hand, and my dagger on my left hand with the blade pointing downwards. I plan to use the katana for offense, and my dagger for defensive purposes. Everyone was looking at me. They never thought that snatching an opponent's weapon was available to do. I was also surprised by this, as I just noticed that I could do that.
"What the heck? How can he do that?", the fencer said. Everyone was shocked but prepared to attack me either way. The rogue,from which I acquired the katana from, equipped another katana for him to use. He charged at me and used a skill called Crescent Moon. It was a skill which shoots some kind of energy based slicer shaped like a crescent from his katana. I dodged his skill and charged at him. I used my Double Cross skill at him, but nothing happened. It seems as if you can't use any skills you know with a weapon from a different class, or a weapon not from your inventory.
The rogue just blocked my attack and seemingly created an opening for his peers to attack. The defender was about to slash me, but suddenly Barrios was there to block his attack with his shield. He pushed away the defender's sword and bashed him backwards. This caused the other rogue behind him to be pushed away too.
I kicked away the rogue blocking my attack and slashed the fencer about to attack me. He jerked backwards, but the assassin was about to do a follow up attack. I pointed the katana I was holding at him in order to distract him. He slowed down his speed, and I used this to my advantage. I tossed the katana aside and threw 2 throwing knives at him. As he blocked the incoming throwing knives at him, he didn't have enough time to react to my follow up attack with my dagger. I slashed his left eye and sent him flying backwards.
"Retreat!", one of the rogues said. They all ran away from the battle. "You won't get away from this, Extorsion!", the assassin said. I was shocked they knew my name. It seemed as if they are doing research about me.
"Damn.. They even know your name now, X", Barrios said. "Not only that, it might be possible that they know about Val's connection to you to.", he continued.
"That's why I told you guys, stay out of this.", I said as I faced Barrios and Val.
Val stood up and walked towards me. Barrios tried to ask if she's okay, but she ignored him. I didn't move as I was rather shocked that she isn't acting as friendly as how she is supposed to be. As soon as she's near enough to me, she slapped me. At this moment, I was speechless. All I could feel was the pain on my cheek and guilt in my heart.
"One slap... You deserve one slap because you worry me to death.", she said as she cried in front of me. "I don't care what are you going to do to me as payback. But you deserve it!", she continued as she cried even louder. The setting was filled with the sound of Val's cries for quite some time. Soon after, rain fell to wash away all the blood spilt on the grounds.
"I'm not going to do anything to you.", I said after some time after the rain started. "Either way you looked at it, I deserved it. This was my fault entirely.", I went on.
"Barrios, take her back to Stoneridge.", I told Barrios. He nodded.
"What are you going to do?", Barrios asked right before he and Val left me.
"Some matter I have to attend to.", I said.
"Don't do anything stupid.", he replied. I nodded to assure him I won't. Afterwards, it was just me in the middle of the raining forest. I took the katana I snatched from the rogue before and stabbed it to the ground. I never intended on snatching it, so I just thought to leave it there in hope that the owner might go back to the battleground.
So there I was, standing in the middle of the rain, reflecting on what has happened. All this time, I was living behind a mask, a mask of loneliness with no solitude. Living as someone else who is contradictory to my old self. The guy who I was back before I put on the mask was the guy I'm traumatized to be. He was the life I'm too scared to live.
I noticed that Barrios was in the town square. Apparently, he noticed that I was too. I tried to slip away, but he was able to get to me before I left the scene.
"Strange of you not to use Stalker.", Barrios said.
"I can only Stalker if I'm in-", I was cut off before I continued.
"The shadows.", Barrios said while pointing at where I was standing. I realized I was standing in the shadows this whole time, but it never hit me that I could just Stalker away.
"You're really off today, huh? And 3 days ago you wanted to finish off your business with that underground guild.", he reluctantly said.
"I get it. You can skip the 'I told you so' section and cut to the chase", I replied.
"Straight forward as always, aren't you X? Well, I dispatched some of my guys to investigate this matter. They found a lead somewhere near the first floor gate.", he told me. " Still, if you're thinking about soloing this thing, I'm not letting you.".
"Why aren't you just letting me go?", I asked him.
"There's something about you that will kill you sooner or later. I don't want anyone I know to die pointlessly. So I'm basically preventing you before that happens.", he said.
"Since when are you my guardian?", I asked him. However, he acts as if I did not ask him anything.
"What were you doing here? It's not like you to be wandering in a crowded place like this.", Barrios asked.
"None of your business.", I reluctantly said.
"If you're looking for Val, she's taking a day off to go hunting. She's in the South Crater Forest.".
"Is that... The forest to the southwest of Stoneridge?", I asked. Barrios noticed the panicked look on my face.
"Yeah. Why?", he asked.
"I was ambushed in that forest last time", I replied. Barrios looked panicked after hearing what I said. He rushed immediately into the direction of the forest. I knew what was on his mind, but with a sense of panic, it would be a disadvantage on our accord.
"Wait up Barrios!", I caught up to him at the south gate of Stoneridge. He stared at me as if we don't have much time left. I am aware of this but I needed to calm his insecurity for it to be a winning fight.
"Look, you can't panic at a time like this.", I said.
"How is it that I won't panic? You know Val's in danger.", he said with an enraged tone.
"If you panic, we'll lose for sure.", I replied. This seemed to have calmed him down.
"We don't know how many of them are there at the moment, but we do have the element of surprise. I want us to use this to our advantage.". Barrios nodded in agreement.
"I'll act as a scout until we find Val. I'll stick to the trees and give you heads up from there. I need you to be as stealthy and focused as you can. If I tell you to take down a target, I want you to take him down the fastest way possible.", I continued. Barrios nodded that he understood. "Be warned, that as a scout, I will not be able to help you in combat, since it will blow my cover. At least, until we find Val.".
"Let's get on with it already.", Barrios said. I nodded in agreement. I was about to go scout but Barrios held my shoulder. "Thanks. You calmed me down a lot.", he said. I nodded.
"You can be a great leader I think", he continued.
"We both know that would be impossible.", I said. I started my scouting as Barrios prepared his new-and-improved backsword.
I sticked to the treetops to scout out targets for Barrios to take out. There were some monsters, but no sign of those hooded guys yet. The day turned into night, still no sign of Val or those hooded guys. South Crater Forest is one of the largest are in the first floor, so I did thought that it will take some time to find Val, but not this long.
I was about to tell Barrios that we need to pull out for the night as it was dangerous for the both of us, but suddenly a scream came from somewhere nearby. It was a female scream. Both Barrios and I stared at each other and nodded in unison, we're going to the direction of that scream.
"Let me go!", the voice shrieked. I moved faster through the treetops and found out who the voice belonged to. It was Val's. She was surrounded by 5 other guys, all with gray hoods.
"Calm down miss. We're not going to hurt you. After we're done with you, you will be set free", a guy said followed by an evil laugh. I knew where this is going, I have to stop them.
Another guy was grabbing Val's clothes, attempting to strip her down. I threw a throwing knife at a guy beside him to start creating a distraction. The guy shrieked, this caused all the others to look at him. I used this moment to get close to them with Stalker and stabbed the guy holding Val on his back. This causes panic on those 5 guys. They weren't prepared for this.
I threw the guy I stabbed at the guy I hit with a throwing knife earlier. They were knocked off their feet, giving me time to handle the others. Among the remaining 3, one was a rogue, another one was a fencer, and the last one was an assassin. The rogue immediately pulled out his katana and attempted a slash at me. I dodged him, but the rapier used a blowback attack which knocked me over. It didn't end there. The assassin did a form of double slash with his butterfly sword.
I was ricocheted and fell near Val. Val checked my face, wondering who is it that tried to save her. As soon as she saw my face, she looked shocked to found out that I was the one saving her. I smiled at her and got up to fend off the attackers. All 5 of them are ready to fight, whereas the other 2 were a defender and another rogue. I checked my health bar, it was somewhere lower that 50% left.
"What do you think you're doing kid? Playing a hero?", the defender asked. Obviously, I did not answered him.
"My my.... Looks like this guy is mute. I do have one piece of advice kid, anyone who plays a hero will die out of his overconfidence.", the assassin continued. I smirked. All the attackers and Val noticed this. The rogueran out of patience and charged at me. I threw my dagger at him to startle him. The moment he was startled, I rushed at him and kicked him on his torso. I snatched his katana and took back my dagger.
I held the katana on my right hand, and my dagger on my left hand with the blade pointing downwards. I plan to use the katana for offense, and my dagger for defensive purposes. Everyone was looking at me. They never thought that snatching an opponent's weapon was available to do. I was also surprised by this, as I just noticed that I could do that.
"What the heck? How can he do that?", the fencer said. Everyone was shocked but prepared to attack me either way. The rogue,from which I acquired the katana from, equipped another katana for him to use. He charged at me and used a skill called Crescent Moon. It was a skill which shoots some kind of energy based slicer shaped like a crescent from his katana. I dodged his skill and charged at him. I used my Double Cross skill at him, but nothing happened. It seems as if you can't use any skills you know with a weapon from a different class, or a weapon not from your inventory.
The rogue just blocked my attack and seemingly created an opening for his peers to attack. The defender was about to slash me, but suddenly Barrios was there to block his attack with his shield. He pushed away the defender's sword and bashed him backwards. This caused the other rogue behind him to be pushed away too.
I kicked away the rogue blocking my attack and slashed the fencer about to attack me. He jerked backwards, but the assassin was about to do a follow up attack. I pointed the katana I was holding at him in order to distract him. He slowed down his speed, and I used this to my advantage. I tossed the katana aside and threw 2 throwing knives at him. As he blocked the incoming throwing knives at him, he didn't have enough time to react to my follow up attack with my dagger. I slashed his left eye and sent him flying backwards.
"Retreat!", one of the rogues said. They all ran away from the battle. "You won't get away from this, Extorsion!", the assassin said. I was shocked they knew my name. It seemed as if they are doing research about me.
"Damn.. They even know your name now, X", Barrios said. "Not only that, it might be possible that they know about Val's connection to you to.", he continued.
"That's why I told you guys, stay out of this.", I said as I faced Barrios and Val.
Val stood up and walked towards me. Barrios tried to ask if she's okay, but she ignored him. I didn't move as I was rather shocked that she isn't acting as friendly as how she is supposed to be. As soon as she's near enough to me, she slapped me. At this moment, I was speechless. All I could feel was the pain on my cheek and guilt in my heart.
"One slap... You deserve one slap because you worry me to death.", she said as she cried in front of me. "I don't care what are you going to do to me as payback. But you deserve it!", she continued as she cried even louder. The setting was filled with the sound of Val's cries for quite some time. Soon after, rain fell to wash away all the blood spilt on the grounds.
"I'm not going to do anything to you.", I said after some time after the rain started. "Either way you looked at it, I deserved it. This was my fault entirely.", I went on.
"Barrios, take her back to Stoneridge.", I told Barrios. He nodded.
"What are you going to do?", Barrios asked right before he and Val left me.
"Some matter I have to attend to.", I said.
"Don't do anything stupid.", he replied. I nodded to assure him I won't. Afterwards, it was just me in the middle of the raining forest. I took the katana I snatched from the rogue before and stabbed it to the ground. I never intended on snatching it, so I just thought to leave it there in hope that the owner might go back to the battleground.
So there I was, standing in the middle of the rain, reflecting on what has happened. All this time, I was living behind a mask, a mask of loneliness with no solitude. Living as someone else who is contradictory to my old self. The guy who I was back before I put on the mask was the guy I'm traumatized to be. He was the life I'm too scared to live.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Chapter 6: To Trust or to Not Trust, that's the Question
"First to make the opponent's health bar to red, or make the opponent unable to battle wins.", Havok said. I nodded at him. He cynically smiled at me as he prepares his Diamondback. I pull out my Twin Daggers and prepare for his attack. He charged at me as soon as he saw I was ready.
"Diamond Slash!", Havok screamed out his skill move. The Diamond Slash was a quick slash that gives 200% additional bonus damage if an opponent was hit with. I used my right hand dagger to push away Havok's Diamond Slash and spun around to push him off balance.
"Damn it!", Havok said after he had regained his balance. He charged at me again and swung his sword at me. I blocked the swing coming from above with both my daggers, but suddenly he used his hand and punched me on my gut.
"Argh!", I shrieked whilst falling backwards. This guy does not like to lose, and he'll do anything it takes to do win. I checked my health bar, it was on the yellow zone at about 75% of my total HP bar.
"Hahaha! You like that?", Havok tried to provoke me.
"You're not going to provoke me Havok. I'll win the fight for sure.", I replied.
"I'd like to see you try.", he said.
"Go on X! Get him!", Barrios cheered for me from the sides. I nodded at Barrios and get back up to finish the fight.
"Alright, let's finish this.", Havok said. He puts up a stance and signaled me to go on an attack him. I prepared my Twin Daggers and charged at him.
"Double Cross!", I cried out one of my skills. Double Cross is a skill which permits the user to land 4 consecutive critical attacks to the enemy which deals 150% of the base damage for each hit.
"Safeguard!", Havok used his skill as soon as my right dagger hits his sword. Safeguard is a skill which allows the user to block an attack with any equipment available to use. This skill also makes the equipment sturdy enough to literally make a weapon break, just as Barrios' backsword has.
My right dagger broke into two pieces due to the impact it has got from defending Havok's Diamond Slash earlier. I didn't stop me attack yet since I still have 3 more critical hits to land at him. I used my left dagger to hit him 3 consecutive times while he was vulnerable after blocking my first Double Cross hit. After the 3rd hit, he lunged backwards to retreat from another incoming attack from me. He realized his health bar was close to the red zone.
"You've got some potential kid. Maybe you'll do well in The Chivalry.", Havok said.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I don't do guilds.", I replied. The words I said created quite some shock from the spectators of the battle. I heard murmurs of people talking about me.
"Is he crazy to actually ditch an opportunity like this?". "Such a cocky kid. He'll die soon enough with his ego". "He's underestimating the power of The Chivalry! This is a disgrace!". Of course I didn't care much of what people are saying, I have always prefer to work alone.
"Hmph. Well let's end this battle already!", Havok said as he ran up towards me.
"Let's finish this. Diamond Slash!", he said readying up for his final attack on me. I ran up towards him as fast as I can. Havok didn't thought about this, but he did stop his charge and swung his sword at me. I sled down on me knees to dodge his attack and slashed him with my dagger. His HP bar reached the red zone, and the battle was ended.
"How... How did..", Havok said in a shocked tone. The spectators also gave out a shocked gasp, they never thought that the famous Havok would have been beaten by a regular gamer.
I put back my dagger to my holster and walk up towards Barrios, who was also shocked.
"You okay?", I asked.
"Y-Yeah. How did you do that man? That was awesome!", Barrios replied. He seemed happy that I managed to beat Havok.
"Beginner's luck", I shrugged. "Come on, we're done here.".
"Sure, but where are we going?", he asked.
"Ridgeview. My treat.", I answered as started to walk out of The Chivalry's guild house.
___________________________________________________________________________
"Oi, Takagi! Dinner's ready!", a boy shouted while banging a door.
"Wait up big bro. I'm just about to beat this guy.", Takagi replied from the other side of the door.
"Come on already. You know we have to eat when the whole family's on the table.", the older boy said. He went inside his brother's room to see what he's up to.
"Can't you just use Firestorm and finish it already?", the older boy asked.
"I can't use it yet, I need to use a decoy skill to make the guy use his silencing skill.", Takagi said.
"Silencing skill?".
"You know, the type of skill that makes the foe unable to use a skill. If he used that, I will not be able to use any skill for a couple of seconds. But as soon as the effect wears off, I'm gonna use Firestorm while his silencing skill cooldown in in count.", Takagi answered.
"Dang it... You do think a whole lot more than regular gamers. No wonder you're one of the best in this region, Vyper.", the older brother said.
"Don't call me that bro!", Takagi said. His older brother just laughed.
__________________________________________________________________________
"Hi X!", Val greeted me when I walked into Ridgeview Crest.
"Hey Val. You got a table for 2?", I asked.
"Sure, follow me. Who's your friend?", she asked.
"The name's Barrios. I'm a good friend of X.", Barrios said as hepat smacked my back.
"Oww....", I said while looking at Barrios with a less than amused face. He just smiled back at me. Val was giggling right next to me due to the scene Barrios was making.
"Here you are.", Val said as she showed us our table. "So, what would you want to eat?".
"I'll have the Wild Meat Deluxe combo.", Barrios said immediately. Val wrote down Barrios' order.
"The usual, X?", she asked me.
"Just make mine anyway you want. I'll also have the Zuto berry tea", I replied.
"Okay. I'll be back soon.", she said as she went inside the kitchen.
"What did you meant by making your's anyway she wanted?", Barrios asked.
"You'll see.", I replied.
"By the way, have you ever seen this insignia?", I asked Barrios while showing him the skull insignia I was holding on.
"No. Why?", he asked me back.
"This skull is the insignia of the ones who were guarding the gate to the next floor.", I said.
"Seriously? Are they strong?".
"I would say they have... advanced tactics.", I said.
"How so?", Barrios asked.
"I was assaulted by them when I was tailing one of them. They used tactical means of taking down an enemy. I was ambushed by a fencer, a rogue, and 2 defenders. I was charged by the two defenders, which I dodged, but the rogue used some kind of disorientation explosive to make me lose my balance. This buys some time for the fencer to be able to land a strike on me.", I replied.
"Bugger...", Barrios said.
"The rogue also used a smoke grenade which made me unable to see, but he was able to since he has already tagged me.", I said.
"How did you get out of the mess?", he asked.
"I'd rather not say, it's not something I want to remember.", I replied.
"Why?"
"It costed 2 unwanted casualties.", I said.
"Alright you guys, here's your food.", Val interrupted our conversation. She set down our orders on the table.
"Thanks Val.", I said. As usual, her smile always lift my feelings, which made me feel more easier.
"So, what's this made of?", I asked.
"What's it made of?", Barrios asked in confusion.
"This isn't in the menu, that's what I meant by making mine her way.", I said. Barrios looked shocked as if he thought it wasn't fair. Val and I just laughed at him.
"This time, I tried to make it with grilled fish topped with some kind of tartar sauce recipe I made.", she said.
"I see. Sound's nice", I replied.
"Sure does. If you don't mind, I'll grab a bite from-", Barrios was interrupted as I smacked his head to the table.
"Don't even think about it.", I said.
"Damn it...", he said while his face was still squashed to the table. Val just laughed at this and came to sit with us.
"Don't you have other customers to worry about?", I asked.
"It's already closing time you know.", she said.
"Haaa?". I checked my menu, and yes it was already closing time.
"Sorry... again.", I sighed.
"I don't mind if it's you", she said. "Go ahead and try the bread.".
I took a bite of my dinner and it does taste amusing as always. "It's so good...", I said.
"You're drooling, X", Barrios interrupted.
"Good food can't be rushed.", I reluctantly said while taking another bite.
"Hahaha. So what were you guys talking about just now?", Val asked.
"It's about the skull insignia I told you about this morning.", I answered.
"And X being ambushed.", Barrios added.
"Ooo... About that time right?", Val asked. I simply nodded as I took another bite of my dinner.
"By the way, there wasn't any of them who visited my restaurant today, X.", Val said.
"Might be an underground guild.", Barrios said.
"An underground guild?", I asked.
Barrios finished up his food before continuing. "Yeah, an underground guild. These guilds are guilds that does criminality such as robbing other player's goods and other stuffs. I've even start hearing rumors that they are actually killing other players.".
"What?", I asked after I finished my food.
"Well, I've only heard rumors about it. I don't know if it's real or not.", Barrios said.
"What are we going to do about it?", Val asked.
"I'm gonna go and dig out some information tomorrow, you guys just do what you usually do. I'll-", I was stopped by Barrios.
"No. I'm not going to let you handle this on your own.", he said.
"Me neither.", Val added.
"But you guys can end up messing in the wrong place for that.", I defended my idea.
"You might already be a target for them to kill since you actually took out 2 of their people, X. I'm not gonna let you go on your own.", Barrios said.
"Barrios...", I said.
"I don't want you to get killed because of silly things like this too, X. I think it even might be best if you lay low for a little while. Like Barrios said, you might already be a target.", Val added.
"You too, Val?"
"Yeah."
For the first time in my life, I had to choose to ally myself with people I trust, or to work as a lone wolf like usual.
"Diamond Slash!", Havok screamed out his skill move. The Diamond Slash was a quick slash that gives 200% additional bonus damage if an opponent was hit with. I used my right hand dagger to push away Havok's Diamond Slash and spun around to push him off balance.
"Damn it!", Havok said after he had regained his balance. He charged at me again and swung his sword at me. I blocked the swing coming from above with both my daggers, but suddenly he used his hand and punched me on my gut.
"Argh!", I shrieked whilst falling backwards. This guy does not like to lose, and he'll do anything it takes to do win. I checked my health bar, it was on the yellow zone at about 75% of my total HP bar.
"Hahaha! You like that?", Havok tried to provoke me.
"You're not going to provoke me Havok. I'll win the fight for sure.", I replied.
"I'd like to see you try.", he said.
"Go on X! Get him!", Barrios cheered for me from the sides. I nodded at Barrios and get back up to finish the fight.
"Alright, let's finish this.", Havok said. He puts up a stance and signaled me to go on an attack him. I prepared my Twin Daggers and charged at him.
"Double Cross!", I cried out one of my skills. Double Cross is a skill which permits the user to land 4 consecutive critical attacks to the enemy which deals 150% of the base damage for each hit.
"Safeguard!", Havok used his skill as soon as my right dagger hits his sword. Safeguard is a skill which allows the user to block an attack with any equipment available to use. This skill also makes the equipment sturdy enough to literally make a weapon break, just as Barrios' backsword has.
My right dagger broke into two pieces due to the impact it has got from defending Havok's Diamond Slash earlier. I didn't stop me attack yet since I still have 3 more critical hits to land at him. I used my left dagger to hit him 3 consecutive times while he was vulnerable after blocking my first Double Cross hit. After the 3rd hit, he lunged backwards to retreat from another incoming attack from me. He realized his health bar was close to the red zone.
"You've got some potential kid. Maybe you'll do well in The Chivalry.", Havok said.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I don't do guilds.", I replied. The words I said created quite some shock from the spectators of the battle. I heard murmurs of people talking about me.
"Is he crazy to actually ditch an opportunity like this?". "Such a cocky kid. He'll die soon enough with his ego". "He's underestimating the power of The Chivalry! This is a disgrace!". Of course I didn't care much of what people are saying, I have always prefer to work alone.
"Hmph. Well let's end this battle already!", Havok said as he ran up towards me.
"Let's finish this. Diamond Slash!", he said readying up for his final attack on me. I ran up towards him as fast as I can. Havok didn't thought about this, but he did stop his charge and swung his sword at me. I sled down on me knees to dodge his attack and slashed him with my dagger. His HP bar reached the red zone, and the battle was ended.
"How... How did..", Havok said in a shocked tone. The spectators also gave out a shocked gasp, they never thought that the famous Havok would have been beaten by a regular gamer.
I put back my dagger to my holster and walk up towards Barrios, who was also shocked.
"You okay?", I asked.
"Y-Yeah. How did you do that man? That was awesome!", Barrios replied. He seemed happy that I managed to beat Havok.
"Beginner's luck", I shrugged. "Come on, we're done here.".
"Sure, but where are we going?", he asked.
"Ridgeview. My treat.", I answered as started to walk out of The Chivalry's guild house.
___________________________________________________________________________
"Oi, Takagi! Dinner's ready!", a boy shouted while banging a door.
"Wait up big bro. I'm just about to beat this guy.", Takagi replied from the other side of the door.
"Come on already. You know we have to eat when the whole family's on the table.", the older boy said. He went inside his brother's room to see what he's up to.
"Can't you just use Firestorm and finish it already?", the older boy asked.
"I can't use it yet, I need to use a decoy skill to make the guy use his silencing skill.", Takagi said.
"Silencing skill?".
"You know, the type of skill that makes the foe unable to use a skill. If he used that, I will not be able to use any skill for a couple of seconds. But as soon as the effect wears off, I'm gonna use Firestorm while his silencing skill cooldown in in count.", Takagi answered.
"Dang it... You do think a whole lot more than regular gamers. No wonder you're one of the best in this region, Vyper.", the older brother said.
"Don't call me that bro!", Takagi said. His older brother just laughed.
__________________________________________________________________________
"Hi X!", Val greeted me when I walked into Ridgeview Crest.
"Hey Val. You got a table for 2?", I asked.
"Sure, follow me. Who's your friend?", she asked.
"The name's Barrios. I'm a good friend of X.", Barrios said as he
"Oww....", I said while looking at Barrios with a less than amused face. He just smiled back at me. Val was giggling right next to me due to the scene Barrios was making.
"Here you are.", Val said as she showed us our table. "So, what would you want to eat?".
"I'll have the Wild Meat Deluxe combo.", Barrios said immediately. Val wrote down Barrios' order.
"The usual, X?", she asked me.
"Just make mine anyway you want. I'll also have the Zuto berry tea", I replied.
"Okay. I'll be back soon.", she said as she went inside the kitchen.
"What did you meant by making your's anyway she wanted?", Barrios asked.
"You'll see.", I replied.
"By the way, have you ever seen this insignia?", I asked Barrios while showing him the skull insignia I was holding on.
"No. Why?", he asked me back.
"This skull is the insignia of the ones who were guarding the gate to the next floor.", I said.
"Seriously? Are they strong?".
"I would say they have... advanced tactics.", I said.
"How so?", Barrios asked.
"I was assaulted by them when I was tailing one of them. They used tactical means of taking down an enemy. I was ambushed by a fencer, a rogue, and 2 defenders. I was charged by the two defenders, which I dodged, but the rogue used some kind of disorientation explosive to make me lose my balance. This buys some time for the fencer to be able to land a strike on me.", I replied.
"Bugger...", Barrios said.
"The rogue also used a smoke grenade which made me unable to see, but he was able to since he has already tagged me.", I said.
"How did you get out of the mess?", he asked.
"I'd rather not say, it's not something I want to remember.", I replied.
"Why?"
"It costed 2 unwanted casualties.", I said.
"Alright you guys, here's your food.", Val interrupted our conversation. She set down our orders on the table.
"Thanks Val.", I said. As usual, her smile always lift my feelings, which made me feel more easier.
"So, what's this made of?", I asked.
"What's it made of?", Barrios asked in confusion.
"This isn't in the menu, that's what I meant by making mine her way.", I said. Barrios looked shocked as if he thought it wasn't fair. Val and I just laughed at him.
"This time, I tried to make it with grilled fish topped with some kind of tartar sauce recipe I made.", she said.
"I see. Sound's nice", I replied.
"Sure does. If you don't mind, I'll grab a bite from-", Barrios was interrupted as I smacked his head to the table.
"Don't even think about it.", I said.
"Damn it...", he said while his face was still squashed to the table. Val just laughed at this and came to sit with us.
"Don't you have other customers to worry about?", I asked.
"It's already closing time you know.", she said.
"Haaa?". I checked my menu, and yes it was already closing time.
"Sorry... again.", I sighed.
"I don't mind if it's you", she said. "Go ahead and try the bread.".
I took a bite of my dinner and it does taste amusing as always. "It's so good...", I said.
"You're drooling, X", Barrios interrupted.
"Good food can't be rushed.", I reluctantly said while taking another bite.
"Hahaha. So what were you guys talking about just now?", Val asked.
"It's about the skull insignia I told you about this morning.", I answered.
"And X being ambushed.", Barrios added.
"Ooo... About that time right?", Val asked. I simply nodded as I took another bite of my dinner.
"By the way, there wasn't any of them who visited my restaurant today, X.", Val said.
"Might be an underground guild.", Barrios said.
"An underground guild?", I asked.
Barrios finished up his food before continuing. "Yeah, an underground guild. These guilds are guilds that does criminality such as robbing other player's goods and other stuffs. I've even start hearing rumors that they are actually killing other players.".
"What?", I asked after I finished my food.
"Well, I've only heard rumors about it. I don't know if it's real or not.", Barrios said.
"What are we going to do about it?", Val asked.
"I'm gonna go and dig out some information tomorrow, you guys just do what you usually do. I'll-", I was stopped by Barrios.
"No. I'm not going to let you handle this on your own.", he said.
"Me neither.", Val added.
"But you guys can end up messing in the wrong place for that.", I defended my idea.
"You might already be a target for them to kill since you actually took out 2 of their people, X. I'm not gonna let you go on your own.", Barrios said.
"Barrios...", I said.
"I don't want you to get killed because of silly things like this too, X. I think it even might be best if you lay low for a little while. Like Barrios said, you might already be a target.", Val added.
"You too, Val?"
"Yeah."
For the first time in my life, I had to choose to ally myself with people I trust, or to work as a lone wolf like usual.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Chapter 5: Chivalric Code
They always said that "Someone's happiness is someone else's sorrow". I always thought that it was the way the world works. Some people are happy with their lives, but others aren't. The world is already set up with all the unfairness whether we like it or not.
Even in this world, I still feel it. People like Val, they look at this as opportunities, but others look at this world as a ticket to hell. Although it's solely based on perspective, but it is in our human nature that we don't want to be blamed.
People's individualism can be counted as very high here. People chase their wants and needs, their ideals, and their own will for something they longed for. Many dared to fight and emerged victorious, even in a way which isn't fair. There isn't much place to put trust on.
_____________________________________________________________________________
My inn wasn't that far away from Ridgeview Crest. It was just about 100 meters south from Ridgeview.
"Here we are.", I said when we reached the front of my inn. "Thanks Val, you're so kind", I said while smiling at her.
"Are you sure you'll be okay from here? I can help you until you go to bed.", she said.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry okay?", I said.
She smiled and said, "Okay. Good night.".
"Night."
I went inside my inn and collapse on my bed. I took out the piece of cloth that I tore from the rogue who attacked me this evening. It has part of the skull insignia that those guys have. I wanted to go back to the place where a guy logged out from, but that isn't possible at the moment. I gave up on that idea and went straight to bed.
The next day...
I opened my eyes to see someone right next to me. I wasn't able to make out a face because my eyes were still heavy. I rubbed my eye to be able to see. It was Val, sleeping on a chair which she put next to my bed.
"Umm... Hey, Val", I said while trying to wake her up. She woke up and looked sleepy for a second before she gained her consciousness.
"... X!!! Y-Y-You're awake!", she said in shock. She jerked backwards that she fell of the chair she was sitting on.
"Umm... You okay?", I asked while sitting down on the side of my bed.
"Oww.... That hurt...", she said while holding the backside of her head.
I sighed. "What were you doing in my room this early in the morning?", I asked.
"Err... I wasn't convinced you're well hahaha.", I rolled my eyes upon hearing that.
"I also made you breakfast.", she continued.
"Seriously?". I probably looked excited here. No one beats Val's cooking.
"Yep. I made you some sandwich", she said while showing me my breakfast.
"Thanks a bunch!", I said. I took one and ate it. It was just as amazing as the first. There's a soft filling that is simply indescribable. I have some vegetable taste on it, but also rather a bit sweet.
"It's.... Good". I would most likely drool in front of her since it was so good.
"Hahaha. Thanks.", she said. Her smile made my day.
"What did you use this time?"
"Just vegetables. I cut them to pieces and grilled them together in a mash potato. I also added a sauce made of mayonnaise and mustard", she said.
"I like it."
"Glad you do.", she said.
"So what do you plan to do today?", I asked her.
"Well, I would probably buy some supplies for my restaurant and go there later.", she said.
"I see."
"How about you?", she asked.
"I got something to do later. I need to do some digging around about my attacker yesterday. Which reminds me. Have you ever seen a insignia like this?", I said while showing her the ripped cloth I got from my attacker. Valeria took the cloth and studied it.
"I've never seen it.", she said as she returned the cloth.
"I see. Well, can you look out for that insignia in your restaurant? Contact me if there's one.", I said.
"Ok, add me as a friend.", she said while she opened her menu interface. I opened mine and saw a friend invitiation notice. I added it after seeing Val's name on it.
"Ok then, I'll take my leave. Bye!", she said as she left my room. I waved at her and lay down on my bed again. I closed my eyes and drifted into sleep again.
__________________________________________________________________________
A breeze rolls in. Leaves from trees flew around, almost dancing with the wind. A boy was sitting under a tree, facing out to sea. It was evening, the sun showing only half of it as the other half dived behind the horizon. The sky was in the middle of evening and night, some parts of it orange, some part dark blue, and a violet contrasting line in the middle of them. A girl came by, seemingly trying to find a place to think. She noticed the boy, it was someone she knew. Someone she knew from way back.
"Don't take a nap here, you'll catch a cold." the girl said.
"Huh? Who's taking a nap? I'm just sitting here chilling out.", the boy replied. The girl approached and sat down beside the boy.
"Well that's kinda creepy. Usually people chill out with their friends in a mall or something.".
"Look who's talking. Anyways I'm here with a friend, so does that count as chilling out?".
"Who says I'm your friend? I'm your enemy you know.", the girl said.
"Whatever", the boy replied. The girl giggled as soon as she heard her answer.
"Hey, what type of girl do you like?", the girl asked after a moment of silence between the two.
"I don't know. Definitely a beautiful one though.", the boy replied. "How about you? What type of guy do you like?"
"Umm... I want one whose smile can help me go through a day without worries. I want to be cared for as who I am. Of course a good looking one too hahaha.", the girl replied.
"I see. Good luck finding the right guy for you", the boy said.
"Yeah. You too", she said.
__________________________________________________________________________
I woke up about an hour later. I went to the bathroom and washed my face. I checked my right leg to see if I should take a day off or not. Apparently it was fine. Afterwards I set up my gear and head out into town. I wanted to know about the group that attacked me yesterday.
I head down to the town square. Apparently there was an open meeting going on. The meeting was held by Havok of The Chivalry. It seemed it was an urgent meeting, considering how many people were attending the meeting. I was just in time to hear what important message that Havok had to give.
"Greetings everyone. I am Havok from The Chivalry, and I have good news for all of you. I am pleased to announce that scouts from The Chivalry was able to find the gate to the next floor.". Everyone cheered the moment they heard this announcement. Some also simply just gave a sigh of relief. But I wasn't convinced that the news will stop there. Every RPG game always has a boss, which usually is to advance to the next level of the game, which in Blademasters Online, floor.
"However", Havok continued. "We do encounter a problem. There is some people protecting this door. We are unable to identify them as players or NPCs. The Chivalry have decided that we are to gather force to fight these people in order to go to the next floor.". People start to looked worried.
"Is there any particular similarities from the members of those people?", a random player shouted out.
"Yes, they all wear grayish hood. We are unable to make out any of their faces during the fight. I do need to warn you that all those people are skilled fighters. We have lost several men from our guild due to our last encounter with them.". The whole town square went silent. Not even a single voice can be heard.
"Due to the losses of these men, The Chivalry has decided to open registration for enlistment in our guild. We will be waiting in our guild house to the north of Stoneridge. We hope to see you there.". Havok went down the stage and left the scene immediately.
Not long after, Stoneridge's square was back to it's lively state. The sound created creates the same cheerful vibe despite the news about earlier, but the news earlier has became quite a viral topic all over town. People were asking each other whether they're going to try and join The Chivalry. It was none of my concern though. I had always preferred to be alone.
They all used grayish hood huh? I wonder if they have a skull insignia on their upper arms. I would need to ask The Chivalry for this information, but I didn't want to join them at all. I chose to go to their headquarters and talk to Havok myself.
1 hour later...
I reached The Chivalry's headquarters. It was packed with players trying to join them. I barely can squeeze myself inside their building. I thought I might be able to climb up the guild house from the back, but I might cause a commotion due to that, which completely eliminates my chance to talk to Havok.
"Hey! X!", a familiar voice called out from somewhere. I looked around to look for the source of that voice. I caught a familiar face, it was Barrios.
"What are you doing here X? I thought you weren't into these guild stuff.", he said whilepatting smacking me on my back.
"I'm not here for that reason Barrios. I wanted to talk to Havok. I need some information from him.", I replied.
"I see. Must be about those hooded guys he was talking about right?".
"Yeah. By the way, are you ditching your guild to join The Chivalry?".
"Hahahaha. Good guess kiddo, to bad it isn't correct. I was looking for the opportunity to create a task force with them to fight the gate guardians.", Barrios replied.
"I see. Your clan is Alpha Wolves right?", I asked.
"Yeah. By the way, how exactly are we going to get through this ruckus?".
"Up the roof.".
"You've got to be kidding me, X. We're going to get into serious trouble for that.", Barrios answered.
"Any other suggestions?", I questioned him.
Barrios took a while and rolled his eyes around. After some time, he looked at me and smiled. "You know what? Trouble's my middle name.".
I signaled him to follow me. We went around The Chivalry's guild house and stared upon a wall about 4 meters tall. I used my scarf to cover up my face. Barrios noticed this and thought I was kinda odd for doing so.
"Why would you need to cover your face as if we are going to rob them?", Barrios asked.
"I'm practically going to rob Havok of his information, but I have my own reasons to do so.", I replied.
"Up to you then Mr. Incog.", Barrios said as he shrugged. "So, how should we do- X! Where did you go?", he said as he realized I wasn't beside him anymore.
"Can't you keep a low profile? I'm up here already.", I said while throwing a chestnut at him.
"Well you could've told me"
"I could've-".
"Should've", Barrios said with a face that seemed to be annoyed.
I sighed, "Well quit wasting my time already. I'm going in.", I said while jumping into The Chivalry's guild house.
"Hey! Wait up!", Barrios said. I waited for him while scouting around the area. There were some guild members training. Among those guild members, I noticed Havok was talking to one of his subordinates, probably about the recruitment process.
At first, I intended to approach him stealthily, but looking at how vast the training field is, it seemed impossible already. I was planning on following him after he went into the main building of the guild house. Suddenly a sudden loud thud came from behind me. As I looked back, I figured out that Barrios fell off a tree while trying to jump over the guild house's walls. I shook my head and noticed some of The Chivalry members had drew their weapon preparing to attack us.
Havok walked forward and waved off his men to sheathe their weapons. "What do we have here? 2 kids trying to barge in and join us without recruitment.", he said.
"Who do you think you're calling a kid?", Barrios said in an enraged tone.
"Who else am I talking too? Of course to both of you. What business do you have here in our grounds?", Havok replied. Barrios seemed as if he was about to draw his backsword but I waved him off to try and explain what was our intentions. Barrios understood me and let go of his hand from his backsword hilt.
"We're here not to enlist into your guild. We rather have other matters to discuss with you. Will you hear us out?", I asked.
"I'm listening.", Havok replied.
"My name is Extorsion, and this is Barrios. Although both of us have different things to discuss, we both still need you to listen to our reasons. Barrios here, he's the leader of the clan Alpha Wolves. He would like to create a task force with you in defeating the gate guardians.", I said.
"Create a task force? Hahahaha. Don't be ridiculous. The Chivalry works as an independent guild. Although I have heard of Alpha Wolves, an underdog guild which has been increasingly popular over time, I would have to say that creating a task force with you will simply slow us down.".
"Why you... You needed more men! We are prepared to lend you a hand in clearing the first floor!", Barrios said enraged.
"Please. You're doing this just to increase your guild's reputation. We, The Chivalry, will be the clan that will bring freedom to all of us in this world. We don't need help from an amateur guild", Havok replied. Before I was able to stop Barrios, he charged towards Havok with his backsword ready to attack him. Havok prepared his so-called custom made longsword, the Diamondback. As soon as their swords met, Barrios' backsword cracked due to the impact with the Diamondback. Havok rammed Barrios back when he was shocked that his sword was cracked by the impact.
"You want to end up like this guy too?", Havok tried to provoke me with his arrogant intonation. Fortunately, I am rarely provoked by other people.
"No. My reason to come here was to ask some information to you, but judging from what you said to Barrios, you can ignore my intent.", I said calmly.
"What sort of information?"
"I said ignore my intent."
"I insist that you ask me what information is it that you need."
After hearing what he replied me, I decided to ask him for the information I need rather than provoking him into attacking me. I showed him the ripped cloth that I got from the ambush the other day.
"This symbol. Do you recognize it?", I asked.
"I do."
"Was it on the grey hooded people you encountered at the gates to the next floor?"
"I'm afraid that's all you get to know.", Havok replied. For a second, I saw his face showing a rather disgusted expression. Due to that, I was sure that skull insignia was on those grey hooded people's upper arm.
"I see. I'll take my leave then.", I said. Havok thought otherwise. He held his sword out in a battle stance and looked at me with the intent to kill.
"You're not going out of here that easily, Extorsion. I won't let you go for free after giving away such information.", he said. Simply by taking a good look at Havok's eyes, I can tell the kind of person he is. He thinks he's the only hero in this world, the only one who can lead people in this world to freedom. He dares to take out any factions that oppose from his ideals. His eyes can tell his intent to battle. Actually, I would say the need to battle.
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Sorry for the late update guys, but here's chapter 5. Took sometime to post due to exams I have to attend to haha. Do tell me what do you think of the story so far in the comment section below, that would be a great help. Thanks again!
Even in this world, I still feel it. People like Val, they look at this as opportunities, but others look at this world as a ticket to hell. Although it's solely based on perspective, but it is in our human nature that we don't want to be blamed.
People's individualism can be counted as very high here. People chase their wants and needs, their ideals, and their own will for something they longed for. Many dared to fight and emerged victorious, even in a way which isn't fair. There isn't much place to put trust on.
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My inn wasn't that far away from Ridgeview Crest. It was just about 100 meters south from Ridgeview.
"Here we are.", I said when we reached the front of my inn. "Thanks Val, you're so kind", I said while smiling at her.
"Are you sure you'll be okay from here? I can help you until you go to bed.", she said.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry okay?", I said.
She smiled and said, "Okay. Good night.".
"Night."
I went inside my inn and collapse on my bed. I took out the piece of cloth that I tore from the rogue who attacked me this evening. It has part of the skull insignia that those guys have. I wanted to go back to the place where a guy logged out from, but that isn't possible at the moment. I gave up on that idea and went straight to bed.
The next day...
I opened my eyes to see someone right next to me. I wasn't able to make out a face because my eyes were still heavy. I rubbed my eye to be able to see. It was Val, sleeping on a chair which she put next to my bed.
"Umm... Hey, Val", I said while trying to wake her up. She woke up and looked sleepy for a second before she gained her consciousness.
"... X!!! Y-Y-You're awake!", she said in shock. She jerked backwards that she fell of the chair she was sitting on.
"Umm... You okay?", I asked while sitting down on the side of my bed.
"Oww.... That hurt...", she said while holding the backside of her head.
I sighed. "What were you doing in my room this early in the morning?", I asked.
"Err... I wasn't convinced you're well hahaha.", I rolled my eyes upon hearing that.
"I also made you breakfast.", she continued.
"Seriously?". I probably looked excited here. No one beats Val's cooking.
"Yep. I made you some sandwich", she said while showing me my breakfast.
"Thanks a bunch!", I said. I took one and ate it. It was just as amazing as the first. There's a soft filling that is simply indescribable. I have some vegetable taste on it, but also rather a bit sweet.
"It's.... Good". I would most likely drool in front of her since it was so good.
"Hahaha. Thanks.", she said. Her smile made my day.
"What did you use this time?"
"Just vegetables. I cut them to pieces and grilled them together in a mash potato. I also added a sauce made of mayonnaise and mustard", she said.
"I like it."
"Glad you do.", she said.
"So what do you plan to do today?", I asked her.
"Well, I would probably buy some supplies for my restaurant and go there later.", she said.
"I see."
"How about you?", she asked.
"I got something to do later. I need to do some digging around about my attacker yesterday. Which reminds me. Have you ever seen a insignia like this?", I said while showing her the ripped cloth I got from my attacker. Valeria took the cloth and studied it.
"I've never seen it.", she said as she returned the cloth.
"I see. Well, can you look out for that insignia in your restaurant? Contact me if there's one.", I said.
"Ok, add me as a friend.", she said while she opened her menu interface. I opened mine and saw a friend invitiation notice. I added it after seeing Val's name on it.
"Ok then, I'll take my leave. Bye!", she said as she left my room. I waved at her and lay down on my bed again. I closed my eyes and drifted into sleep again.
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A breeze rolls in. Leaves from trees flew around, almost dancing with the wind. A boy was sitting under a tree, facing out to sea. It was evening, the sun showing only half of it as the other half dived behind the horizon. The sky was in the middle of evening and night, some parts of it orange, some part dark blue, and a violet contrasting line in the middle of them. A girl came by, seemingly trying to find a place to think. She noticed the boy, it was someone she knew. Someone she knew from way back.
"Don't take a nap here, you'll catch a cold." the girl said.
"Huh? Who's taking a nap? I'm just sitting here chilling out.", the boy replied. The girl approached and sat down beside the boy.
"Well that's kinda creepy. Usually people chill out with their friends in a mall or something.".
"Look who's talking. Anyways I'm here with a friend, so does that count as chilling out?".
"Who says I'm your friend? I'm your enemy you know.", the girl said.
"Whatever", the boy replied. The girl giggled as soon as she heard her answer.
"Hey, what type of girl do you like?", the girl asked after a moment of silence between the two.
"I don't know. Definitely a beautiful one though.", the boy replied. "How about you? What type of guy do you like?"
"Umm... I want one whose smile can help me go through a day without worries. I want to be cared for as who I am. Of course a good looking one too hahaha.", the girl replied.
"I see. Good luck finding the right guy for you", the boy said.
"Yeah. You too", she said.
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I woke up about an hour later. I went to the bathroom and washed my face. I checked my right leg to see if I should take a day off or not. Apparently it was fine. Afterwards I set up my gear and head out into town. I wanted to know about the group that attacked me yesterday.
I head down to the town square. Apparently there was an open meeting going on. The meeting was held by Havok of The Chivalry. It seemed it was an urgent meeting, considering how many people were attending the meeting. I was just in time to hear what important message that Havok had to give.
"Greetings everyone. I am Havok from The Chivalry, and I have good news for all of you. I am pleased to announce that scouts from The Chivalry was able to find the gate to the next floor.". Everyone cheered the moment they heard this announcement. Some also simply just gave a sigh of relief. But I wasn't convinced that the news will stop there. Every RPG game always has a boss, which usually is to advance to the next level of the game, which in Blademasters Online, floor.
"However", Havok continued. "We do encounter a problem. There is some people protecting this door. We are unable to identify them as players or NPCs. The Chivalry have decided that we are to gather force to fight these people in order to go to the next floor.". People start to looked worried.
"Is there any particular similarities from the members of those people?", a random player shouted out.
"Yes, they all wear grayish hood. We are unable to make out any of their faces during the fight. I do need to warn you that all those people are skilled fighters. We have lost several men from our guild due to our last encounter with them.". The whole town square went silent. Not even a single voice can be heard.
"Due to the losses of these men, The Chivalry has decided to open registration for enlistment in our guild. We will be waiting in our guild house to the north of Stoneridge. We hope to see you there.". Havok went down the stage and left the scene immediately.
Not long after, Stoneridge's square was back to it's lively state. The sound created creates the same cheerful vibe despite the news about earlier, but the news earlier has became quite a viral topic all over town. People were asking each other whether they're going to try and join The Chivalry. It was none of my concern though. I had always preferred to be alone.
They all used grayish hood huh? I wonder if they have a skull insignia on their upper arms. I would need to ask The Chivalry for this information, but I didn't want to join them at all. I chose to go to their headquarters and talk to Havok myself.
1 hour later...
I reached The Chivalry's headquarters. It was packed with players trying to join them. I barely can squeeze myself inside their building. I thought I might be able to climb up the guild house from the back, but I might cause a commotion due to that, which completely eliminates my chance to talk to Havok.
"Hey! X!", a familiar voice called out from somewhere. I looked around to look for the source of that voice. I caught a familiar face, it was Barrios.
"What are you doing here X? I thought you weren't into these guild stuff.", he said while
"I'm not here for that reason Barrios. I wanted to talk to Havok. I need some information from him.", I replied.
"I see. Must be about those hooded guys he was talking about right?".
"Yeah. By the way, are you ditching your guild to join The Chivalry?".
"Hahahaha. Good guess kiddo, to bad it isn't correct. I was looking for the opportunity to create a task force with them to fight the gate guardians.", Barrios replied.
"I see. Your clan is Alpha Wolves right?", I asked.
"Yeah. By the way, how exactly are we going to get through this ruckus?".
"Up the roof.".
"You've got to be kidding me, X. We're going to get into serious trouble for that.", Barrios answered.
"Any other suggestions?", I questioned him.
Barrios took a while and rolled his eyes around. After some time, he looked at me and smiled. "You know what? Trouble's my middle name.".
I signaled him to follow me. We went around The Chivalry's guild house and stared upon a wall about 4 meters tall. I used my scarf to cover up my face. Barrios noticed this and thought I was kinda odd for doing so.
"Why would you need to cover your face as if we are going to rob them?", Barrios asked.
"I'm practically going to rob Havok of his information, but I have my own reasons to do so.", I replied.
"Up to you then Mr. Incog.", Barrios said as he shrugged. "So, how should we do- X! Where did you go?", he said as he realized I wasn't beside him anymore.
"Can't you keep a low profile? I'm up here already.", I said while throwing a chestnut at him.
"Well you could've told me"
"I could've-".
"Should've", Barrios said with a face that seemed to be annoyed.
I sighed, "Well quit wasting my time already. I'm going in.", I said while jumping into The Chivalry's guild house.
"Hey! Wait up!", Barrios said. I waited for him while scouting around the area. There were some guild members training. Among those guild members, I noticed Havok was talking to one of his subordinates, probably about the recruitment process.
At first, I intended to approach him stealthily, but looking at how vast the training field is, it seemed impossible already. I was planning on following him after he went into the main building of the guild house. Suddenly a sudden loud thud came from behind me. As I looked back, I figured out that Barrios fell off a tree while trying to jump over the guild house's walls. I shook my head and noticed some of The Chivalry members had drew their weapon preparing to attack us.
Havok walked forward and waved off his men to sheathe their weapons. "What do we have here? 2 kids trying to barge in and join us without recruitment.", he said.
"Who do you think you're calling a kid?", Barrios said in an enraged tone.
"Who else am I talking too? Of course to both of you. What business do you have here in our grounds?", Havok replied. Barrios seemed as if he was about to draw his backsword but I waved him off to try and explain what was our intentions. Barrios understood me and let go of his hand from his backsword hilt.
"We're here not to enlist into your guild. We rather have other matters to discuss with you. Will you hear us out?", I asked.
"I'm listening.", Havok replied.
"My name is Extorsion, and this is Barrios. Although both of us have different things to discuss, we both still need you to listen to our reasons. Barrios here, he's the leader of the clan Alpha Wolves. He would like to create a task force with you in defeating the gate guardians.", I said.
"Create a task force? Hahahaha. Don't be ridiculous. The Chivalry works as an independent guild. Although I have heard of Alpha Wolves, an underdog guild which has been increasingly popular over time, I would have to say that creating a task force with you will simply slow us down.".
"Why you... You needed more men! We are prepared to lend you a hand in clearing the first floor!", Barrios said enraged.
"Please. You're doing this just to increase your guild's reputation. We, The Chivalry, will be the clan that will bring freedom to all of us in this world. We don't need help from an amateur guild", Havok replied. Before I was able to stop Barrios, he charged towards Havok with his backsword ready to attack him. Havok prepared his so-called custom made longsword, the Diamondback. As soon as their swords met, Barrios' backsword cracked due to the impact with the Diamondback. Havok rammed Barrios back when he was shocked that his sword was cracked by the impact.
"You want to end up like this guy too?", Havok tried to provoke me with his arrogant intonation. Fortunately, I am rarely provoked by other people.
"No. My reason to come here was to ask some information to you, but judging from what you said to Barrios, you can ignore my intent.", I said calmly.
"What sort of information?"
"I said ignore my intent."
"I insist that you ask me what information is it that you need."
After hearing what he replied me, I decided to ask him for the information I need rather than provoking him into attacking me. I showed him the ripped cloth that I got from the ambush the other day.
"This symbol. Do you recognize it?", I asked.
"I do."
"Was it on the grey hooded people you encountered at the gates to the next floor?"
"I'm afraid that's all you get to know.", Havok replied. For a second, I saw his face showing a rather disgusted expression. Due to that, I was sure that skull insignia was on those grey hooded people's upper arm.
"I see. I'll take my leave then.", I said. Havok thought otherwise. He held his sword out in a battle stance and looked at me with the intent to kill.
"You're not going out of here that easily, Extorsion. I won't let you go for free after giving away such information.", he said. Simply by taking a good look at Havok's eyes, I can tell the kind of person he is. He thinks he's the only hero in this world, the only one who can lead people in this world to freedom. He dares to take out any factions that oppose from his ideals. His eyes can tell his intent to battle. Actually, I would say the need to battle.
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Sorry for the late update guys, but here's chapter 5. Took sometime to post due to exams I have to attend to haha. Do tell me what do you think of the story so far in the comment section below, that would be a great help. Thanks again!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Chapter 4: Heat
"Hey, look there", a boy said.
"Wow! It's amazing!", a girl replied to the boy while looking at the scenery he had mentioned. They were both sitting on a tree branch, looking over at a rare sight for them. A golden ray shyly hiding behind the horizon, birds flying from one side to another, some leaves blown away by the gentle wind. They both speechlessly looked at the scenery.
The boy looked to his right and was even more amazed at what he was seeing. It was the girl who he knew from kindergarten, but he was seeing her in a different way. Her jet black hair let down to her waistline, a pair of eyes that sparkles off sun rays, and her smooth skin he touches with his forearm in an unintended manner. He felt as if he was dreaming.
"Umm.. Hey...", the boy started to speak in an awkward manner. The girl looked at the boy in a curious manner, which startled the boy for a second before he continued speaking.
"Umm... I really like the scenery here. It's like everything here is flawless.", he said. The girl nodded in agreement.
"You know, the sky is really unusual today isn't it?", the girl asked.
"Yes it is, but the skies matches your eyes.", the boy said while looking deeply into the girl's purple eyes. The girl was shocked. She immediately blushed upon hearing the boy's compliments. There was an awkward silence between those two as they just stare at each other's eyes.
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I felt a breeze of air flowing through my nose. I realized I'm not dead yet, but my whole body can't seem to move. I decided to stay still for some time before trying to move my body again. After about 5 minutes of becoming a statue, I tried to open my eyes. A flash of light pierced through the moment I opened them. I was blinded for about 3 seconds before I gain my visibility.
"Ugh...", I moaned while covering my eyes. I tried to sat down but failed due to the pain I felt on my abdomen. I looked around while still laying down on the ground. I was in a forest, but different from the forest I was ambushed. As I look up, I saw the hill I was thrown from. There was no one at the top. I still had no idea who ambushed me. Another thing I was confused at is the fact that I wasn't killed by those who ambushed me.
It seems that I was hit by some kind of poison when I felt that sharp pain on the back of my neck. But how is it that I didn't die? A poisoned effect status will periodically decrease your HP until you drink the Anti Poison Remedy or use the Status Rune. I was probably out for more than 12 hours, which is more than enough time for even a light poison effect to kill me.
I fought the pain on my abdomen and I was able to sit down. I checked my HP bar and it was on the red bar, a bit less than a quarter of my full HP gauge. I opened my inventory and drank a potion to replenish my health. As my HP bar expands, I felt that my body starts to feel a whole lot better.
Since I was able to stand up and walk again, I decided to go to town and take the whole day off. I wanted to try "living" in this game for a day. I head back to my inn and took a shower since I literally slept on the ground for the whole night. I filled the bath tub with warm water and went into it immediately to ease my fatigues. I felt so comfortable that I was actually thinking about laying in the tub for the whole day.
I finally able to persuade myself to get out of the tub and flush down the water too the drains afterwards. I got dressed and head outside to get some fresh air and something to eat. I was thinking about eating at Ridgeview Crest, but I do want to try eating other stuff too. I finally decided to buy some deep fried dumplings sold by an NPC. It was good, but it isn't anything compared to Valeria's toasted sandwich.
I decided to go out on a stroll around Stoneridge. Simply sightseeing around town was actually quite relaxing to me. I started at the gates of the city, and walked aimlessly to who knows where. Eventually I finished my stroll in the square. I noticed a lot of people gather up on the district near the square.
It's probably normal since it is the easiest meeting place of all. In the middle of the square was a monument standing around 4 meters tall. At the top of the monument was a golden knight holding his sword and shield in a battle stance. It had a peculiar set of armor, which looks like what knights used back then in the Medieval Ages. The armor had spikes on it's shoulder pads, which I thought it's sole purpose was to cause damage while ramming someone with his shoulder. It's helmet surrounds the knight's face so that his face can't be clearly seen. The helmet itself looks like the Roman's battle helmet, only with a more enclosed look and without the signature Roman mohawk.
As I looked around at people, something caught my eye. It was someone wearing a similar cloak to the guy which logged out of this game. He seemed as if he's checking his inventory. I decided to use this chance and tail him in hope I might get some answers on logging out of this game.
I slipped out of his line of sight by going out of the square and into the crowd. As soon as I am in the crowd, I looked around if there are any alleys that might lead me to that suspicious man. Since I wasn't very tall, I couldn't really see, so I opted for any alley I can go into. I saw one on my right and head there immediately.
As I entered the alley, I noticed that it was simply just a dead end. No matter though. It seemed that the walls are close enough for me to double wall kick up the roof. As soon as I was on the roof, I took a stealthy approach towards that suspicious guy. He was already on the move and moving towards the outskirts of the city. I tailed him from the roof, jumping from one building to another.
I went down the roof when he was nearing the city gates in the east. I followed him but also trying to keep my distance from being too suspicious. He suddenly turned around, probably making sure he wasn't tailed. I was able to react quick enough to move my eyes to another direction and just walk forward as if nothing happened. I relied on my peripheral view to keep track of him. He did looked at me in a suspicious way, but looked away after a while.
He just simply walked toward the gate thinking there was no one suspicious around. As soon as he is out of the gate, he turned north and started to move away to a blindspot behind the city walls. I followed him, but loss sight of him when I looked left. Damn it! I would easily track him down if I was a rogue, since rogues are the most adept class to tracking targets.
I wasn't planning to give up, so I climbed up a tree and try to figure out which way he might've gone. I jumped down from the tree so that I could act as if I was a regular player trying to fight some monsters. As soon as I touched the ground, someone charged towards me.
I was able to react quick enough and throw one of my throwing knives at the guy. I ran to a nearby tree and kicked the tree to lunged myself to the attacker. He was able to dodge my throwing knife but wasn't prepared for the upcoming attack. I pull out both of my daggers, double slashed him, somersaulted forward, and used the momentum from that somersault to deliver a hard kick before he could pierce me with his broadsword. He fell to the ground hard.
I realized that he was the same hooded guy I was tailing. He didn't recover from the blow fast enough, which made me able to stick my dagger to his throat and try to get some answers out of him.
"I want some answers.", I demanded.
"No wonder you were tailing me. See if you can get some out of me.", the guy reluctantly said.
"Yesterday I saw a guy wearing a similar hood like you. He was able to log out of the game. How is it that he is able to?", I asked in a rough manner.
"I know no such guy.", he said arrogantly. There's a sense of him being calm from his tone. Almost too calm.
"You better give me the truth quick if you value your life.", I said while tightening the grip of my hand on his shirt and my dagger.
"You have no proof I know him. Just because we wear the same cloak doesn't mean we share anything in common.", he said.
So he's looking for proof huh? I tried to remember other things about the guy who logged out. I remembered that he had a skull insignia on his right upper arm. I glanced at the guy's upper arm and see the same insignia.
"Is that so? Well can you explain the same insignia you have on your cloak's upper arm?", I asked him.
"You do have a good eye kid. Problem is you're too cocky. You didn't even bring any back up when assaulting someone.", he said in the same arrogant manner he used for all the words he spoke.
"First of all, I work alone. Second, I didn't ask for your opinion. Third, I'm giving you-", I was stopped by a sudden kick from my right side. So the guy did call for back up before I attacked him. I was tossed away towards a tree.
He was loose from my grasps and took his broadsword from the ground. He was then joined by 3 other guys, 2 defenders and a rogue.
"You got some nerve to meddle with us, kid. Now, it's our turn to attack!", he said while charging towards me. The other 2 defenders also charged with him. The rogue however, was staying there doing nothing. The 2 defenders charged with their shields looking to bash me. I dodged the 2 defenders, but I didn't manage to dodge the fencer's slash.
"Argh!", I shrieked in pain. I was pushed back a couple of meters, but a defender rammed me with his shield before I could regain my balance. I was slammed towards a cliff. Luckily, I was still able to regain my balance before falling over.
"You should give up, assassin! You're outnumbered 4 to 1!", the fencer said.
"I'm never going to give up, even if it takes the life out of me.", I said. I took in some breaths before continuing. I pointed at the rogue and said, "Nice trick. You used a disorientation explosive on me, other wise your boss will be humiliated by the way he missed.".
"You're sharp. That rogue is our support specialist. Just for your information, I might not be able to hit you if he wasn't helping me out there. Problem is we have practiced this tactics everyday, and we do have a strong teamwork.", the fencer said. "I'm thinking about sparring your life. You seem to be a tough combatant. I'm giving you an offer. Join our cause, and we will rule this world together.".
"Over my dead body.". The rogue suddenly tossed a small bag to the sky. The bag exploded and covered the area with a thick black smoke. The rogue smirked and started to run around. The rogue might've thought that he had the upper hand, apparently he was terribly mistaken. He attacked me from behind, causing me to be lunged out of his line of sight again. As soon as I was hit, I activated my Stalker skill and ran towards a defender who was coughing due to the smoke. I stood in front of him and get ready for the upcoming attack. As soon as I sensed the rogue was attacking, I dodged his attack and caused him to push his team mate off the cliff.
"Block!", the rogue exclaimed after the smoke had cleared out and realized his team mate was gone. Everyone was shocked, including me. I did plan to dodge the rogue's attack for him to attack his team mate. Rogues are able to tag someone, and the target will be highlighted, even through smoke or walls. I used his lack of visibility to my advantage, but I didn't expect the cliff was behind that defender.
"Impossible! Everyone, fallback!", the fencer commanded in horror.
"Y... You... You'll pay for this!", the rogue said while he dashed towards me. He was consumed by rage. He swung his saber like an enraged pirate trying to battle all out for a pot of gold. The look on his eyes simply said everything I need to know, he wanted to kill me for real.
"No, wait!", the fencer said. It was too late though. The rogue missed his attack on me and fell into the very same cliff his team mate had fallen into. I did try to pull him up, but I was only able to rip off some of his cloak.
"You'll regret this boy.", the fencer said. He ran away after saying that. Probably going back to his base. I tried to chase after him, but the swift slash that hit my right leg thought otherwise. I fell to the ground trying to chase him. When I looked up, neither the defender nor the fencer was in sight.
I drank up my potion and went back into town. It was somewhere about 7 or 8 p.m. I was exhausted and decided to go to bed immediately. I passed through Ridgeview Crest, apparently Valeria was just done locking up.
"X!", she greeted me with a huge grin on her face.
"Hey, what's up?", I replied.
"I'm just, you know, locking up the restaurant. How about you? You look umm...".
"I know. It's a long story."
"Are you going to be okay?", she asked with a worried face.
"I'll be after a good night sleep. I'm just exhausted that's all.". I took a step forward, but suddenly my right leg acted up again.
"Ack..", I shrieked. I was falling to the ground, but Valeria managed to help me stand.
"It was fine a second ago.", I said enduring the pain.
"Please don't push yourself too hard.", she said. She helped me sit on a bench near the front of her restaurant.
"Can you please tell me what really happened?", she demanded. I couldn't resist to say no. She did gave me an amazing free dinner yesterday. Not only that, I'm someone who always speak the truth when someone demands. I don't know why. I guess it's simply in my nature.
I told her about everything. Starting from the time I left her restaurant up to now. She looked worried the whole time, especially in the part where I was mistaken as a killer.
"I... I can't believe it.", she said after hearing the story.
"It's just how it is, and I didn't make this up.", I said.
"I know.".
"How?".
"I don't know. I just have a feeling that your not lying.", she said.
"I see...".
"Thanks... for believing me", I said. She didn't say a word, but her smile answers everything.
"All right. Come on, I'll help you go home", Valeria suddenly said. She stood up and tugged my arm signaling me to stand up.
"Wha... You really don't need to.", I replied.
"I insist.", she said as she pulled me up and put my arm around her shoulders. I gave up trying to go back to my inn alone. I simply walked with her helping me and showed the way.
____________________________________________________________________________
Right! Chapter 4's done and dusted. I might not be updating chapter 5 for quite a while though, as I will be busy with exams on the following weeks (ooo damn it...). Thanks for reading everyone! Please do comment on this so that I might know more about my not-so-amusing grammar and stuff, or even you may try to speculate what will happen (I might make a side story from your speculations haha).
It's probably normal since it is the easiest meeting place of all. In the middle of the square was a monument standing around 4 meters tall. At the top of the monument was a golden knight holding his sword and shield in a battle stance. It had a peculiar set of armor, which looks like what knights used back then in the Medieval Ages. The armor had spikes on it's shoulder pads, which I thought it's sole purpose was to cause damage while ramming someone with his shoulder. It's helmet surrounds the knight's face so that his face can't be clearly seen. The helmet itself looks like the Roman's battle helmet, only with a more enclosed look and without the signature Roman mohawk.
As I looked around at people, something caught my eye. It was someone wearing a similar cloak to the guy which logged out of this game. He seemed as if he's checking his inventory. I decided to use this chance and tail him in hope I might get some answers on logging out of this game.
I slipped out of his line of sight by going out of the square and into the crowd. As soon as I am in the crowd, I looked around if there are any alleys that might lead me to that suspicious man. Since I wasn't very tall, I couldn't really see, so I opted for any alley I can go into. I saw one on my right and head there immediately.
As I entered the alley, I noticed that it was simply just a dead end. No matter though. It seemed that the walls are close enough for me to double wall kick up the roof. As soon as I was on the roof, I took a stealthy approach towards that suspicious guy. He was already on the move and moving towards the outskirts of the city. I tailed him from the roof, jumping from one building to another.
I went down the roof when he was nearing the city gates in the east. I followed him but also trying to keep my distance from being too suspicious. He suddenly turned around, probably making sure he wasn't tailed. I was able to react quick enough to move my eyes to another direction and just walk forward as if nothing happened. I relied on my peripheral view to keep track of him. He did looked at me in a suspicious way, but looked away after a while.
He just simply walked toward the gate thinking there was no one suspicious around. As soon as he is out of the gate, he turned north and started to move away to a blindspot behind the city walls. I followed him, but loss sight of him when I looked left. Damn it! I would easily track him down if I was a rogue, since rogues are the most adept class to tracking targets.
I wasn't planning to give up, so I climbed up a tree and try to figure out which way he might've gone. I jumped down from the tree so that I could act as if I was a regular player trying to fight some monsters. As soon as I touched the ground, someone charged towards me.
I was able to react quick enough and throw one of my throwing knives at the guy. I ran to a nearby tree and kicked the tree to lunged myself to the attacker. He was able to dodge my throwing knife but wasn't prepared for the upcoming attack. I pull out both of my daggers, double slashed him, somersaulted forward, and used the momentum from that somersault to deliver a hard kick before he could pierce me with his broadsword. He fell to the ground hard.
I realized that he was the same hooded guy I was tailing. He didn't recover from the blow fast enough, which made me able to stick my dagger to his throat and try to get some answers out of him.
"I want some answers.", I demanded.
"No wonder you were tailing me. See if you can get some out of me.", the guy reluctantly said.
"Yesterday I saw a guy wearing a similar hood like you. He was able to log out of the game. How is it that he is able to?", I asked in a rough manner.
"I know no such guy.", he said arrogantly. There's a sense of him being calm from his tone. Almost too calm.
"You better give me the truth quick if you value your life.", I said while tightening the grip of my hand on his shirt and my dagger.
"You have no proof I know him. Just because we wear the same cloak doesn't mean we share anything in common.", he said.
So he's looking for proof huh? I tried to remember other things about the guy who logged out. I remembered that he had a skull insignia on his right upper arm. I glanced at the guy's upper arm and see the same insignia.
"Is that so? Well can you explain the same insignia you have on your cloak's upper arm?", I asked him.
"You do have a good eye kid. Problem is you're too cocky. You didn't even bring any back up when assaulting someone.", he said in the same arrogant manner he used for all the words he spoke.
"First of all, I work alone. Second, I didn't ask for your opinion. Third, I'm giving you-", I was stopped by a sudden kick from my right side. So the guy did call for back up before I attacked him. I was tossed away towards a tree.
He was loose from my grasps and took his broadsword from the ground. He was then joined by 3 other guys, 2 defenders and a rogue.
"You got some nerve to meddle with us, kid. Now, it's our turn to attack!", he said while charging towards me. The other 2 defenders also charged with him. The rogue however, was staying there doing nothing. The 2 defenders charged with their shields looking to bash me. I dodged the 2 defenders, but I didn't manage to dodge the fencer's slash.
"Argh!", I shrieked in pain. I was pushed back a couple of meters, but a defender rammed me with his shield before I could regain my balance. I was slammed towards a cliff. Luckily, I was still able to regain my balance before falling over.
"You should give up, assassin! You're outnumbered 4 to 1!", the fencer said.
"I'm never going to give up, even if it takes the life out of me.", I said. I took in some breaths before continuing. I pointed at the rogue and said, "Nice trick. You used a disorientation explosive on me, other wise your boss will be humiliated by the way he missed.".
"You're sharp. That rogue is our support specialist. Just for your information, I might not be able to hit you if he wasn't helping me out there. Problem is we have practiced this tactics everyday, and we do have a strong teamwork.", the fencer said. "I'm thinking about sparring your life. You seem to be a tough combatant. I'm giving you an offer. Join our cause, and we will rule this world together.".
"Over my dead body.". The rogue suddenly tossed a small bag to the sky. The bag exploded and covered the area with a thick black smoke. The rogue smirked and started to run around. The rogue might've thought that he had the upper hand, apparently he was terribly mistaken. He attacked me from behind, causing me to be lunged out of his line of sight again. As soon as I was hit, I activated my Stalker skill and ran towards a defender who was coughing due to the smoke. I stood in front of him and get ready for the upcoming attack. As soon as I sensed the rogue was attacking, I dodged his attack and caused him to push his team mate off the cliff.
"Block!", the rogue exclaimed after the smoke had cleared out and realized his team mate was gone. Everyone was shocked, including me. I did plan to dodge the rogue's attack for him to attack his team mate. Rogues are able to tag someone, and the target will be highlighted, even through smoke or walls. I used his lack of visibility to my advantage, but I didn't expect the cliff was behind that defender.
"Impossible! Everyone, fallback!", the fencer commanded in horror.
"Y... You... You'll pay for this!", the rogue said while he dashed towards me. He was consumed by rage. He swung his saber like an enraged pirate trying to battle all out for a pot of gold. The look on his eyes simply said everything I need to know, he wanted to kill me for real.
"No, wait!", the fencer said. It was too late though. The rogue missed his attack on me and fell into the very same cliff his team mate had fallen into. I did try to pull him up, but I was only able to rip off some of his cloak.
"You'll regret this boy.", the fencer said. He ran away after saying that. Probably going back to his base. I tried to chase after him, but the swift slash that hit my right leg thought otherwise. I fell to the ground trying to chase him. When I looked up, neither the defender nor the fencer was in sight.
I drank up my potion and went back into town. It was somewhere about 7 or 8 p.m. I was exhausted and decided to go to bed immediately. I passed through Ridgeview Crest, apparently Valeria was just done locking up.
"X!", she greeted me with a huge grin on her face.
"Hey, what's up?", I replied.
"I'm just, you know, locking up the restaurant. How about you? You look umm...".
"I know. It's a long story."
"Are you going to be okay?", she asked with a worried face.
"I'll be after a good night sleep. I'm just exhausted that's all.". I took a step forward, but suddenly my right leg acted up again.
"Ack..", I shrieked. I was falling to the ground, but Valeria managed to help me stand.
"It was fine a second ago.", I said enduring the pain.
"Please don't push yourself too hard.", she said. She helped me sit on a bench near the front of her restaurant.
"Can you please tell me what really happened?", she demanded. I couldn't resist to say no. She did gave me an amazing free dinner yesterday. Not only that, I'm someone who always speak the truth when someone demands. I don't know why. I guess it's simply in my nature.
I told her about everything. Starting from the time I left her restaurant up to now. She looked worried the whole time, especially in the part where I was mistaken as a killer.
"I... I can't believe it.", she said after hearing the story.
"It's just how it is, and I didn't make this up.", I said.
"I know.".
"How?".
"I don't know. I just have a feeling that your not lying.", she said.
"I see...".
"Thanks... for believing me", I said. She didn't say a word, but her smile answers everything.
"All right. Come on, I'll help you go home", Valeria suddenly said. She stood up and tugged my arm signaling me to stand up.
"Wha... You really don't need to.", I replied.
"I insist.", she said as she pulled me up and put my arm around her shoulders. I gave up trying to go back to my inn alone. I simply walked with her helping me and showed the way.
____________________________________________________________________________
Right! Chapter 4's done and dusted. I might not be updating chapter 5 for quite a while though, as I will be busy with exams on the following weeks (ooo damn it...). Thanks for reading everyone! Please do comment on this so that I might know more about my not-so-amusing grammar and stuff, or even you may try to speculate what will happen (I might make a side story from your speculations haha).
Monday, November 25, 2013
Chapter 3: Black Out of the Night
What? A guy just logged out from the menu? What the heck is going on here?
I tried to open my menu and hit the log out button. Nope, it doesn't work. I thought it was only possible to do so from the place that guy logged out from. I tried, but still no positive results.
How can he just simply logged out like that? It can't be that he used a 3rd party application, the game should be banned when the news hits about players being stuck in Blademasters Online.
A gust of wind blasted from my back. Next thing happened, I dropped down to the ground.
4 hours earlier...
The lively city of Stoneridge. Known as the capital city of the 1st floor. It has been about a month since the bug happened, but even then the players hadn't made any progress yet. Lots of players had been blabbering out about the theories they came up with. Theories to be able to beat the game. Still, a certain obnoxious idiot won't believe in any of them, as for him they were just theories with no proof and simply can't be fully trusted.
Most players enlisted themselves into clans. They believe with numbers, it is possible to get more information and hunt easily. Some clans escalated to popularity quickly, simply because a famous RPG gamer from another game was in it. The clan was called Chivalry. The famous player used the in-game name Havok. No one knew his real name, and he seemed to intend it to be that way. Chivalry was known for their expert tactics in combat. They divide their members into squads with a very tight training schedule.
Pugna pro incentia. Fight for freedom. That was their motto. The Chivalry was known for their expert tactics in combat. They divide their members into squads, attackers, blockers, supports, and even special operatives. They have harsh training routines, believed to be the source of their power. However, X simply thought that it was all simply because they had an admirable commander, the one and only Havok. He sets every single strategies, knows the best way around things, able to make quick decisions in a matter of seconds. Lots of people were talking about them. A lot of them wanted and have tried to join them, but they only consists of players who were noted for their special... skills.
It was about 6 p.m. X was getting hungry and decided to head to a quite famous tavern in Stoneridge, Ridgeview Crest. The place was known for it's delicious toasted sandwiches, beautiful ridgeside view, and a beautiful chef.
Ring!, The bell on the door rang as soon as he entered.
"Welcome!", X was greeted by the infamous beautiful chef most people were talking about. She has slick dark brunette hair which is tied up on the back and a pair of beautiful light brown eyes1. X was speechless at first, but he thought she wasn't his type and averted his gaze.
"Table for one please", X replied to the chef's friendly greeting.
"I see. This way please.", X was shown to his table. It was at the edge of the balcony on the ridgeline. The golden sunset rays caught his eye and gave a moment of real world feeling since entering this virtual world. After gazing off for about 5 seconds of staring at the sunset, X was brought back to consciousness by the chef waving her hand in front of my face.
"Are you okay?", she asked.
"Err... Yeah. I was just caught up by the scenery here.", X replied.
"You like it? I picked the spot for this restaurant myself.", the chef said with a huge smile.
"I see. Wait, you picked this spot?"
"Yes. I know a lot of people was thinking I'm an NPC, but I'm actually a player", X could've swore she was an NPC, but hearing that she is a player caught him off guard. He then realized she wasn't lying after seeing a diamond above her head, showing that she's indeed a player.
"You can actually own and run a restaurant?", X asked while walking to his appointed table.
"Yes. Apparently there are a lot of things that work like real life in this game.", the chef said while handing X the menu.
"And you manage everything here?", X asked while looking over the menu.
"Yes I do. The stocks and suppliers work just like real life. My father owns a restaurant so I might know a thing or two about managing this place hehe.", the chef replied. Knowing this fact, X thought It seems like you can simply take a break from the war and settle down.
To X, it can be a good thing and a bad thing. Good thing is, the players can simply take our time and feel like the real world. Which brings him to the bad point, people might get accustomed and just simply start a new life here, which means less players will be on the front line trying to finish the game.
"Umm... I really can't pick what to chose. I'm not exactly that picky on eating", X said as he scanned the menu and found nothing he really craved for. The chef gave a confused look at X as if not expecting it to happen. X could only narrowed his eyes even more and try to pick an order.
"Most people order wild meat sandwich. It seemed to be the customers favorite here.", the chef said encouraging X to take an order.
"Hmm... You know what, surprise me.", X closed the menu and gave the chef the menu.
"Surprise you?", the chef gave an even more confused face as she isn't sure what X meant. X gave a brief glance at the chef and sighed.
"Just make any type of toasted sandwich you want, but not from the menu.", X replied in a calm manner, as if he really didn't care that much.
"I.. I see. I'll try my best", the chef said with a stuttered smile, caught off guard by the fact X chose something out of the ordinary. After the chef left, X stared at the view even more. The sunset rays starting to fall fade behind the mountains on horizon.
"Hey! Wait up!", a little girl shouted while chasing a boy.
"No way! I'm gonna go to that place first!", the boy shouted back while sticking his tongue out towards the girl.
BUMP! The boy crashed into a tree while he wasn't looking at where he was headed. The boy fell down in a sitting position.
"Oww... My backside...", the boy grumbled.
"That's what you get for not waiting up.", the girl said in an angry tone. She held out her hand towards the boy. "Come one, we'll go to that place together.", she said with a pleasant smile.
"...xcuse me", a voice startled X. He opened his eyes as he jumped backwards. He saw the chef trying to wake him up from his nap.
"You must've had a tiresome day. You wouldn't wake up at all, even your food went cold.", the chef continued. She gave a sigh, but wouldn't press even more of her annoyance at X more than a single sigh. X looked around and realize that it was night.
"Whoa... I'm so sorry I slept", X said while he facepalmed. He never thought that a view could've soothe him so much. He thought it just has been a long time since he saw a beautiful view like that.
The chef sighed. "Well, I'm reheating your food at the moment.", she said. X looked around again and realize that the whole place was empty.
"Umm... Is it already closing time?", X asked in the most polite manner he could manage, although knowing X, he doesn't really understand what manners is.
"Yes it is.", the chef said while laughing. "But since you ordered something special, I guess I'll give you an exception. Come inside, it's getting cold outside.", she said with a smile. X followed her into the restaurant and sat down on the counter. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is quite simple but has a nice feeling to it as it gave off a feel like a tavern in the 1800s.
"Did you design the place?", X asked as he's curious about the place itself, since it was run by a player.
"Not really, I just picked it out from a basic store template and added a tiny amount of decoration."
"I see..."
"Here you are!", the chef said while handing X the reheated toast sandwich. X looked at it and everything was neatly placed, just like what you would get in a 5-star restaurant. He looked up at her, but she had a shocked expression.
"Something wrong?", the chef startled even more due to X's hideously scary looking eyes.
"Umm... Well... I was just startled that I forgot to ask you for your drink.", she said as she averted her gaze.
"It actually slipped off my mind too.", X said with a straight face as he closed his eyes. The chef laughed after a certain pause, leaving X dumbfounded by why she suddenly laughed.
"It doesn't really matter though.", X said, leaving the chef to raise her eyebrow. "If I did order a drink earlier, it will probably thaw out already.", X continued.
"It definitely will", she said with a playful smile and gave X the menu again. "So, what will you have?"
"Umm... Is there any C**a-C**a2 or the sort?", X asked.
"I'm afraid no one had found out the way to make soda in this game", the chef frowned as she looked as X. X simply sighed and asked the chef if she had any suggestions. "I might suggest the Zuto berry tea though. It is a lot like sweet tea, and it's rather popular here."
"I'll have that.", X said. The chef went to the back to prepare X's drink. X stared at the sandwich in front of him. He decided to open the top toast to see what's inside, he found some kind of patty, some fresh vegetables, and some kind of sauce. He then closed the top patty and held up his sandwich preparing for his first bite. Suddenly the chef went out from the back with his drink.
"Haven't had your first bite yet?", she asked.
"Yeah. I was just checking the ingredients you use inside.", X took his first bite. His eye widened just from the first bite. The sandwich had an amusing taste. Although it might look like a regular sandwich, it's taste is just simply can't be put into words. The crunch of the toast and vegetables, the rich taste of the patty, and the velvety taste from the sauce really hits the spot.
"It's good!", X said still with his eyes wide open. The chef looked surprised at X's reaction, but eventually smiles afterwards.
"What's inside of it?"
"The vegetables are fresh from the batch that came this afternoon, the patty is a smoked wild meat patty, and the sauce is a special sauce I tried to make just now.", the chef said. She sighed afterwards and continued, "I'm glad you like it", with a smile.
"I see. You have got yourself a very satisfied customer.", X said while trying to put a grin on his face. He quickly finish up his food, although deep down he really do want to savour it's flavour even more, but he felt bad it was already past Ridgeview Crest's closing time.
After finishing up his food, X drank up the Zuto berry tea. It wasn't too sweet, but not too plain either, in addition it had some kind of cooling effect afterwards.
"Do you like the tea?", the chef asked.
"Yeah. It has a very... interesting taste.", X said as he picked the right words for it, although he could only came up with the simple ambigious word of interesting.
"I see. Can I take the plate away?"
"Yeah sure. How much should I pay?"
"Err...", the chef paused thinking. She came up with her answer a couple of seconds later, "This time it's on the house."
"Seriously?"
"Yes. But next time you will need to pay"
"Isn't it obvious?", X said as he averted his eyes. "Thanks again... err..."
"Valeria", the chef held out a hand to give me a handshake. "Val for short"
"Thanks Val. I'm Extorsion, but you can simply call me X.", X shook her hand.
"Sure X. Come again!"
"Duh... I still have to eat something tasty you know", X said as he walked outside.
Night has fallen on Stoneridge. However, X didn't felt like going back to his inn yet, so he decided to go out on a stroll in a forest near the south-western part of Stoneridge. He was looking for a place for him to think, but apparently he found a suspicious looking guy using a grey hood. X followed him due to his uneasiness by using his Stalker skill. The skill allows a player to stay invisible as long as the player is able to stick to the shadows. X decided to follow the suspicious player from above to make him less suspicious and use the leaves' shadows for cover from the bright moonlight.
The suspicious guy stopped in a middle of some trees in a circular formation. X stayed on the tree while trying to see what the guy was doing. He opened his menu and pressed his log out button. He suddenly glows and breaks into pixels.
Did he log out?, X asked himself. He tried to log out but nothing happened. It just shows the same bug notice like the first time he tried. But how is he able to do it? X tried one more time, the result is just the same.
X thought that the place where he stood on might be a place where a player might be able to use the missing script from the log out sequence. He stand on the spot the hooded guy stood when he logged out and opened his menu, followed by pressing the log out button. It still failed. X had no idea how the suspicious guy did it.
Although X was preoccupied by figuring out why can't he log out, he was able to hear rustling of bushes behind him. His right hand prepared one of his throwing knives while his left hand prepared to close his menu interface. In a split second, X closed my menu and threw the throwing knife towards the bushes. Suddenly X felt a sharp pain on the back of his neck. He was able to realized that he had been ambushed, but before he was able to do anything, he dropped down to the ground.
I tried to open my menu and hit the log out button. Nope, it doesn't work. I thought it was only possible to do so from the place that guy logged out from. I tried, but still no positive results.
How can he just simply logged out like that? It can't be that he used a 3rd party application, the game should be banned when the news hits about players being stuck in Blademasters Online.
A gust of wind blasted from my back. Next thing happened, I dropped down to the ground.
4 hours earlier...
The lively city of Stoneridge. Known as the capital city of the 1st floor. It has been about a month since the bug happened, but even then the players hadn't made any progress yet. Lots of players had been blabbering out about the theories they came up with. Theories to be able to beat the game. Still, a certain obnoxious idiot won't believe in any of them, as for him they were just theories with no proof and simply can't be fully trusted.
Most players enlisted themselves into clans. They believe with numbers, it is possible to get more information and hunt easily. Some clans escalated to popularity quickly, simply because a famous RPG gamer from another game was in it. The clan was called Chivalry. The famous player used the in-game name Havok. No one knew his real name, and he seemed to intend it to be that way. Chivalry was known for their expert tactics in combat. They divide their members into squads with a very tight training schedule.
Pugna pro incentia. Fight for freedom. That was their motto. The Chivalry was known for their expert tactics in combat. They divide their members into squads, attackers, blockers, supports, and even special operatives. They have harsh training routines, believed to be the source of their power. However, X simply thought that it was all simply because they had an admirable commander, the one and only Havok. He sets every single strategies, knows the best way around things, able to make quick decisions in a matter of seconds. Lots of people were talking about them. A lot of them wanted and have tried to join them, but they only consists of players who were noted for their special... skills.
It was about 6 p.m. X was getting hungry and decided to head to a quite famous tavern in Stoneridge, Ridgeview Crest. The place was known for it's delicious toasted sandwiches, beautiful ridgeside view, and a beautiful chef.
Ring!, The bell on the door rang as soon as he entered.
"Welcome!", X was greeted by the infamous beautiful chef most people were talking about. She has slick dark brunette hair which is tied up on the back and a pair of beautiful light brown eyes1. X was speechless at first, but he thought she wasn't his type and averted his gaze.
"Table for one please", X replied to the chef's friendly greeting.
"I see. This way please.", X was shown to his table. It was at the edge of the balcony on the ridgeline. The golden sunset rays caught his eye and gave a moment of real world feeling since entering this virtual world. After gazing off for about 5 seconds of staring at the sunset, X was brought back to consciousness by the chef waving her hand in front of my face.
"Are you okay?", she asked.
"Err... Yeah. I was just caught up by the scenery here.", X replied.
"You like it? I picked the spot for this restaurant myself.", the chef said with a huge smile.
"I see. Wait, you picked this spot?"
"Yes. I know a lot of people was thinking I'm an NPC, but I'm actually a player", X could've swore she was an NPC, but hearing that she is a player caught him off guard. He then realized she wasn't lying after seeing a diamond above her head, showing that she's indeed a player.
"You can actually own and run a restaurant?", X asked while walking to his appointed table.
"Yes. Apparently there are a lot of things that work like real life in this game.", the chef said while handing X the menu.
"And you manage everything here?", X asked while looking over the menu.
"Yes I do. The stocks and suppliers work just like real life. My father owns a restaurant so I might know a thing or two about managing this place hehe.", the chef replied. Knowing this fact, X thought It seems like you can simply take a break from the war and settle down.
To X, it can be a good thing and a bad thing. Good thing is, the players can simply take our time and feel like the real world. Which brings him to the bad point, people might get accustomed and just simply start a new life here, which means less players will be on the front line trying to finish the game.
"Umm... I really can't pick what to chose. I'm not exactly that picky on eating", X said as he scanned the menu and found nothing he really craved for. The chef gave a confused look at X as if not expecting it to happen. X could only narrowed his eyes even more and try to pick an order.
"Most people order wild meat sandwich. It seemed to be the customers favorite here.", the chef said encouraging X to take an order.
"Hmm... You know what, surprise me.", X closed the menu and gave the chef the menu.
"Surprise you?", the chef gave an even more confused face as she isn't sure what X meant. X gave a brief glance at the chef and sighed.
"Just make any type of toasted sandwich you want, but not from the menu.", X replied in a calm manner, as if he really didn't care that much.
"I.. I see. I'll try my best", the chef said with a stuttered smile, caught off guard by the fact X chose something out of the ordinary. After the chef left, X stared at the view even more. The sunset rays starting to fall fade behind the mountains on horizon.
"Hey! Wait up!", a little girl shouted while chasing a boy.
"No way! I'm gonna go to that place first!", the boy shouted back while sticking his tongue out towards the girl.
BUMP! The boy crashed into a tree while he wasn't looking at where he was headed. The boy fell down in a sitting position.
"Oww... My backside...", the boy grumbled.
"That's what you get for not waiting up.", the girl said in an angry tone. She held out her hand towards the boy. "Come one, we'll go to that place together.", she said with a pleasant smile.
"...xcuse me", a voice startled X. He opened his eyes as he jumped backwards. He saw the chef trying to wake him up from his nap.
"You must've had a tiresome day. You wouldn't wake up at all, even your food went cold.", the chef continued. She gave a sigh, but wouldn't press even more of her annoyance at X more than a single sigh. X looked around and realize that it was night.
"Whoa... I'm so sorry I slept", X said while he facepalmed. He never thought that a view could've soothe him so much. He thought it just has been a long time since he saw a beautiful view like that.
The chef sighed. "Well, I'm reheating your food at the moment.", she said. X looked around again and realize that the whole place was empty.
"Umm... Is it already closing time?", X asked in the most polite manner he could manage, although knowing X, he doesn't really understand what manners is.
"Yes it is.", the chef said while laughing. "But since you ordered something special, I guess I'll give you an exception. Come inside, it's getting cold outside.", she said with a smile. X followed her into the restaurant and sat down on the counter. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is quite simple but has a nice feeling to it as it gave off a feel like a tavern in the 1800s.
"Did you design the place?", X asked as he's curious about the place itself, since it was run by a player.
"Not really, I just picked it out from a basic store template and added a tiny amount of decoration."
"I see..."
"Here you are!", the chef said while handing X the reheated toast sandwich. X looked at it and everything was neatly placed, just like what you would get in a 5-star restaurant. He looked up at her, but she had a shocked expression.
"Something wrong?", the chef startled even more due to X's hideously scary looking eyes.
"Umm... Well... I was just startled that I forgot to ask you for your drink.", she said as she averted her gaze.
"It actually slipped off my mind too.", X said with a straight face as he closed his eyes. The chef laughed after a certain pause, leaving X dumbfounded by why she suddenly laughed.
"It doesn't really matter though.", X said, leaving the chef to raise her eyebrow. "If I did order a drink earlier, it will probably thaw out already.", X continued.
"It definitely will", she said with a playful smile and gave X the menu again. "So, what will you have?"
"Umm... Is there any C**a-C**a2 or the sort?", X asked.
"I'm afraid no one had found out the way to make soda in this game", the chef frowned as she looked as X. X simply sighed and asked the chef if she had any suggestions. "I might suggest the Zuto berry tea though. It is a lot like sweet tea, and it's rather popular here."
"I'll have that.", X said. The chef went to the back to prepare X's drink. X stared at the sandwich in front of him. He decided to open the top toast to see what's inside, he found some kind of patty, some fresh vegetables, and some kind of sauce. He then closed the top patty and held up his sandwich preparing for his first bite. Suddenly the chef went out from the back with his drink.
"Haven't had your first bite yet?", she asked.
"Yeah. I was just checking the ingredients you use inside.", X took his first bite. His eye widened just from the first bite. The sandwich had an amusing taste. Although it might look like a regular sandwich, it's taste is just simply can't be put into words. The crunch of the toast and vegetables, the rich taste of the patty, and the velvety taste from the sauce really hits the spot.
"It's good!", X said still with his eyes wide open. The chef looked surprised at X's reaction, but eventually smiles afterwards.
"What's inside of it?"
"The vegetables are fresh from the batch that came this afternoon, the patty is a smoked wild meat patty, and the sauce is a special sauce I tried to make just now.", the chef said. She sighed afterwards and continued, "I'm glad you like it", with a smile.
"I see. You have got yourself a very satisfied customer.", X said while trying to put a grin on his face. He quickly finish up his food, although deep down he really do want to savour it's flavour even more, but he felt bad it was already past Ridgeview Crest's closing time.
After finishing up his food, X drank up the Zuto berry tea. It wasn't too sweet, but not too plain either, in addition it had some kind of cooling effect afterwards.
"Do you like the tea?", the chef asked.
"Yeah. It has a very... interesting taste.", X said as he picked the right words for it, although he could only came up with the simple ambigious word of interesting.
"I see. Can I take the plate away?"
"Yeah sure. How much should I pay?"
"Err...", the chef paused thinking. She came up with her answer a couple of seconds later, "This time it's on the house."
"Seriously?"
"Yes. But next time you will need to pay"
"Isn't it obvious?", X said as he averted his eyes. "Thanks again... err..."
"Valeria", the chef held out a hand to give me a handshake. "Val for short"
"Thanks Val. I'm Extorsion, but you can simply call me X.", X shook her hand.
"Sure X. Come again!"
"Duh... I still have to eat something tasty you know", X said as he walked outside.
Night has fallen on Stoneridge. However, X didn't felt like going back to his inn yet, so he decided to go out on a stroll in a forest near the south-western part of Stoneridge. He was looking for a place for him to think, but apparently he found a suspicious looking guy using a grey hood. X followed him due to his uneasiness by using his Stalker skill. The skill allows a player to stay invisible as long as the player is able to stick to the shadows. X decided to follow the suspicious player from above to make him less suspicious and use the leaves' shadows for cover from the bright moonlight.
The suspicious guy stopped in a middle of some trees in a circular formation. X stayed on the tree while trying to see what the guy was doing. He opened his menu and pressed his log out button. He suddenly glows and breaks into pixels.
Did he log out?, X asked himself. He tried to log out but nothing happened. It just shows the same bug notice like the first time he tried. But how is he able to do it? X tried one more time, the result is just the same.
X thought that the place where he stood on might be a place where a player might be able to use the missing script from the log out sequence. He stand on the spot the hooded guy stood when he logged out and opened his menu, followed by pressing the log out button. It still failed. X had no idea how the suspicious guy did it.
Although X was preoccupied by figuring out why can't he log out, he was able to hear rustling of bushes behind him. His right hand prepared one of his throwing knives while his left hand prepared to close his menu interface. In a split second, X closed my menu and threw the throwing knife towards the bushes. Suddenly X felt a sharp pain on the back of his neck. He was able to realized that he had been ambushed, but before he was able to do anything, he dropped down to the ground.
1 Try picturing an anime styled image from the start to the end. Count this thing as a light novel↩
2 Yes... the infamous brown colored soda beverage↩
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Chapter 2: The Lone Wolf
It was 11 p.m. X1 was on a bed in the inn he rented trying to get some rest. It was raining outside, and the city itself appears to be sleeping. Although the sound of rain usually calms him down, but this time it's making him very uneasy.
(2 days before)
(2 days before)
After X discovered he can't log out, he immediately went back to Beginner's Town to see if anyone else was having this problem. He saw a passing by defender and decided to ask if he could log out.
"Of course we can! It's a game you know. You just open the menu and press this button here.", the huge defender said in a very confident way. He put on a confused face at first, but then he agreed to do it.
"Must I really do this? You owe me 50 GP for wasting my time you know". After X nodded as a confirmation, he pressed his log out button. Nothing happened. He panicked out and immediately spread out the news with his insanely thundering voice. Every single one of the players around them checked if they could log out. No one could.
"This is impossible! How is it that I can't log out?", a girl said in a panicked way. She freaked out, and apparently it got the crowd going too. Every single one of them simply lost their hopes. Some of them simply just sat down and mourn, while others are making a big fuss.
"This is impossible! How is it that I can't log out?", a girl said in a panicked way. She freaked out, and apparently it got the crowd going too. Every single one of them simply lost their hopes. Some of them simply just sat down and mourn, while others are making a big fuss.
"We got to tell everyone about this. Most people are in the town square, lets go there", the defender X asked to log out at first insisted. He thought that it would just bring more harm than good, since it would just discourage everyone that plays this game. However, before X could talk out his thoughts, he was already being dragged to the town square. Well, the guy's enormous and also a defender class, so resistance is pretty much futile. But one way or another way, everyone will find out anyway, X thought.
As soon as they were at the town square, the defender looked for a place where he could stand and get the crowd's attention. There was a nearby small stage at a corner of the square. The defender thought it would suffice, so he stood on the stage and got the crowd's attention.
"Excuse me everyone! Can I have your attention for a moment?", a crowd soon formed in front of the stage.
"Thank you. I would like all of you to try to log out of the game.", the defender said.
"Why would we do that?", a random person asked him.
"Because my friend here...", the defender paused his speech and pointed at X, "...found out that we can't log out of this game", the defender explained. A huge murmur by the crowd occurred.
"I can't log out!", a random guy exclaimed. The crowd grew anxious and more of them tried to log out. More and more testimonials were shout out, and thus it became clear to the crowd that all the players were stuck in this game. Most of the crowd panicked. Some seems to try and act calm while persistently trying to press their log out button.
"This is a message from the game master! Everyone is to gather at the Beginner's Town Square now! We are in need to inform every single player an announcement!", suddenly a voice emerges from somewhere. It was the game's system message. Every single one of the players were able to hear it since the sound is basically like their own voice playing in one's head.
After quite some time waiting, the town square suddenly was locked down by some kind of barrier. Everyone panicked when they realize they're trapped. A hologram of a huge man appears. He was tall and slender, he also wore a full metal framed glasses. Some of the players recognized him immediately. The person was Kiyoshi Hayate, the head developer of Blademasters Online.
"Welcome to the world of Blademasters Online. I am Kiyoshi Hayate, the head developer of this game. I know that all of you here are gathered to know why is it that you can't log out. The reason that you can't log out is not because of a programming error. I intended to make this game like this. The only way you will be able to log out is to take the Blademasters' Title at the 100th floor.". A lot of complains can be heard, but it does not seem like Mr. Kiyoshi could see or hear all the complaints thrown at him, or he was acting as nothing happened.
"Oh yeah, there's also another thing I would like to say before I forget. If you die here, you will also die in the real world.", after those words the crowd grew silent. All of them in shock of able to be killed for real. Meanwhile the man shown as a hologram smiled from ear to ear.
"By the way, if your room isn't locked, you might be in danger. If you were disconnected of your BrainStorm in the game, your brain will be overloaded by the electrical discharge and you will also die.", most of the players were looking down at the ground, knowing that any of them could be killed at any moment by a certain accident.
"Everyone, I would like you to fight as your real selves, so by tomorrow, your appearance will be the same as how you look in real life. But don't worry, your names will still be your in-game username. Thank you for your cooperation and happy playing."
As the hologram disappeared, so does the force field around the square holding all the players in. No one moved an inch, shocked by the reality they refused to believe. Among the sea of shocked players, X was the first one to move. He calmly walked towards the square exit but was stopped. It was the defender.
"I can't believe this. Please tell me this is all a dream, or at least a joke."
"I don't have the power to do so. I did not created this world. I'm sorry but you just have to accept reality.", X said without care to him. The defender looked at X straight in the eye, unable to believe the words X just said. X could see hopelessness and desperation just from a look on his eyes. Those eyes are also easily seen on other people around, which were staring at X for being so laid back and calm.
"What are you going to do?", he asked.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to fight. I'm going to fight and reach the top floor."
"How can you still say that? You don't know what lies ahead. And you can't respawn in this game, Once you die, you die for real!", the defender caught X's collar and shook him.
"You won't know what lies ahead if you don't try. To put it in another way, mourning for your life here wouldn't do you any good. I'd rather die trying than die mourning for nothing", X gave a sharp reply. X released the defender's grip as his hands weaken from X's sharp comment. He faced the square exit and left without any other hindrance.
X looked for an inn to stay in for the night, and he decided on a decent inn to stayed in. The inn's room was simple. There was a bed and a desk beside it, and a toilet in the opposite side of the room. Pretty much everything X could ever thought he needed. He unequipped all his weapons and holsters and went to sleep.
X woke up somewhere at 8:30. He went to the toilet and washed my face to wash off all his drowsiness. When he look at the mirror, he saw his regular self. He widened his eyes at first, but he finally remembered what Kiyoshi Hayate had said, all the player's appearance will be the same as they are in the real world.
X had probably just a normal face, although back at high school he used to be feared for his dangerous looking obnoxious eyes. The front left side of his hair was spiked up towards the right, leaving an emo-like right pony which almost covers his right eye. Meanwhile the backside spiked up towards the middle and the sides of his hair was shorter compared to his hair at the top.
He rushed to equip his gear and went to the border of Beginner's Town. The situation was still sort of gloomy, but there were also some players who had found their fighting spirits back. X thought that it was a good thing to see, at least he won't be fighting alone to finish this game.
"Hey assassin!", a voice called out from somewhere. X noticed that voice. It was the defender yesterday. His appearance had changed slightly. The only thing X could notice was different from the avatar he saw yesterday was just the defender's face and hairstyle. Yesterday, the defender had a more western face and a mohawk hair, but today he seemed like a regular Japanese guy with a simple short spiky hair.
"Your real self seems to be rather small and skinny.", the defender said in a rather jolly way. X could only gave him an unimpressed look.
"Hahaha! Calm down. I'm just kidding. By the way, I haven't really introduced myself. I'm Barrios", the defender said. He puts out an arm to shake X's hand.
"Extorsion", X said while he shook Barrios' outstretched hand. "You can call me X for short"
"Hey, can I add you to my friend list? I'm sure we can be great friends.", Barrios said. X didn't expect to immediately be asked to be added to the friend list. He isn't someone who enjoyed a social lifestyle in the real world or any of the other games he had played. But after thinking about it twice, he thought that to make friends in a game like this might prove to be useful. Most of the players had the same goal, to finish the game and get back to the real world.
X gave Barrios a slight nod. Barrios smiled and opened his menu. He went to his friend list and sent an invitation to be friends with X, which X simply accept.
"So, what are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to the next town before nightfall."
"Alright! Let's go!"
"What do you mean 'we'?", X asked. He looked rather puzzled but then smiled.
"We're going to the next town, what else?"
"I'm sorry, I'd rather go alone."
"Is that so? Okay then. I'll probably rally up my own team and then go to the next town. Best of luck, lone wolf!", Barrios said and left.
"Making friends with the likes of him might be a good idea, especially in this game. We could exchange information since we don't know anything ahead of us.", X thought to himself. Barrios gave off a playful nice guy feel according to X. However it's pretty much in X's nature to work alone, like X always preferred to.
As soon as they were at the town square, the defender looked for a place where he could stand and get the crowd's attention. There was a nearby small stage at a corner of the square. The defender thought it would suffice, so he stood on the stage and got the crowd's attention.
"Excuse me everyone! Can I have your attention for a moment?", a crowd soon formed in front of the stage.
"Thank you. I would like all of you to try to log out of the game.", the defender said.
"Why would we do that?", a random person asked him.
"Because my friend here...", the defender paused his speech and pointed at X, "...found out that we can't log out of this game", the defender explained. A huge murmur by the crowd occurred.
"I can't log out!", a random guy exclaimed. The crowd grew anxious and more of them tried to log out. More and more testimonials were shout out, and thus it became clear to the crowd that all the players were stuck in this game. Most of the crowd panicked. Some seems to try and act calm while persistently trying to press their log out button.
"This is a message from the game master! Everyone is to gather at the Beginner's Town Square now! We are in need to inform every single player an announcement!", suddenly a voice emerges from somewhere. It was the game's system message. Every single one of the players were able to hear it since the sound is basically like their own voice playing in one's head.
After quite some time waiting, the town square suddenly was locked down by some kind of barrier. Everyone panicked when they realize they're trapped. A hologram of a huge man appears. He was tall and slender, he also wore a full metal framed glasses. Some of the players recognized him immediately. The person was Kiyoshi Hayate, the head developer of Blademasters Online.
"Welcome to the world of Blademasters Online. I am Kiyoshi Hayate, the head developer of this game. I know that all of you here are gathered to know why is it that you can't log out. The reason that you can't log out is not because of a programming error. I intended to make this game like this. The only way you will be able to log out is to take the Blademasters' Title at the 100th floor.". A lot of complains can be heard, but it does not seem like Mr. Kiyoshi could see or hear all the complaints thrown at him, or he was acting as nothing happened.
"Oh yeah, there's also another thing I would like to say before I forget. If you die here, you will also die in the real world.", after those words the crowd grew silent. All of them in shock of able to be killed for real. Meanwhile the man shown as a hologram smiled from ear to ear.
"By the way, if your room isn't locked, you might be in danger. If you were disconnected of your BrainStorm in the game, your brain will be overloaded by the electrical discharge and you will also die.", most of the players were looking down at the ground, knowing that any of them could be killed at any moment by a certain accident.
"Everyone, I would like you to fight as your real selves, so by tomorrow, your appearance will be the same as how you look in real life. But don't worry, your names will still be your in-game username. Thank you for your cooperation and happy playing."
As the hologram disappeared, so does the force field around the square holding all the players in. No one moved an inch, shocked by the reality they refused to believe. Among the sea of shocked players, X was the first one to move. He calmly walked towards the square exit but was stopped. It was the defender.
"I can't believe this. Please tell me this is all a dream, or at least a joke."
"I don't have the power to do so. I did not created this world. I'm sorry but you just have to accept reality.", X said without care to him. The defender looked at X straight in the eye, unable to believe the words X just said. X could see hopelessness and desperation just from a look on his eyes. Those eyes are also easily seen on other people around, which were staring at X for being so laid back and calm.
"What are you going to do?", he asked.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to fight. I'm going to fight and reach the top floor."
"How can you still say that? You don't know what lies ahead. And you can't respawn in this game, Once you die, you die for real!", the defender caught X's collar and shook him.
"You won't know what lies ahead if you don't try. To put it in another way, mourning for your life here wouldn't do you any good. I'd rather die trying than die mourning for nothing", X gave a sharp reply. X released the defender's grip as his hands weaken from X's sharp comment. He faced the square exit and left without any other hindrance.
X looked for an inn to stay in for the night, and he decided on a decent inn to stayed in. The inn's room was simple. There was a bed and a desk beside it, and a toilet in the opposite side of the room. Pretty much everything X could ever thought he needed. He unequipped all his weapons and holsters and went to sleep.
X woke up somewhere at 8:30. He went to the toilet and washed my face to wash off all his drowsiness. When he look at the mirror, he saw his regular self. He widened his eyes at first, but he finally remembered what Kiyoshi Hayate had said, all the player's appearance will be the same as they are in the real world.
X had probably just a normal face, although back at high school he used to be feared for his dangerous looking obnoxious eyes. The front left side of his hair was spiked up towards the right, leaving an emo-like right pony which almost covers his right eye. Meanwhile the backside spiked up towards the middle and the sides of his hair was shorter compared to his hair at the top.
He rushed to equip his gear and went to the border of Beginner's Town. The situation was still sort of gloomy, but there were also some players who had found their fighting spirits back. X thought that it was a good thing to see, at least he won't be fighting alone to finish this game.
"Hey assassin!", a voice called out from somewhere. X noticed that voice. It was the defender yesterday. His appearance had changed slightly. The only thing X could notice was different from the avatar he saw yesterday was just the defender's face and hairstyle. Yesterday, the defender had a more western face and a mohawk hair, but today he seemed like a regular Japanese guy with a simple short spiky hair.
"Your real self seems to be rather small and skinny.", the defender said in a rather jolly way. X could only gave him an unimpressed look.
"Hahaha! Calm down. I'm just kidding. By the way, I haven't really introduced myself. I'm Barrios", the defender said. He puts out an arm to shake X's hand.
"Extorsion", X said while he shook Barrios' outstretched hand. "You can call me X for short"
"Hey, can I add you to my friend list? I'm sure we can be great friends.", Barrios said. X didn't expect to immediately be asked to be added to the friend list. He isn't someone who enjoyed a social lifestyle in the real world or any of the other games he had played. But after thinking about it twice, he thought that to make friends in a game like this might prove to be useful. Most of the players had the same goal, to finish the game and get back to the real world.
X gave Barrios a slight nod. Barrios smiled and opened his menu. He went to his friend list and sent an invitation to be friends with X, which X simply accept.
"So, what are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to the next town before nightfall."
"Alright! Let's go!"
"What do you mean 'we'?", X asked. He looked rather puzzled but then smiled.
"We're going to the next town, what else?"
"I'm sorry, I'd rather go alone."
"Is that so? Okay then. I'll probably rally up my own team and then go to the next town. Best of luck, lone wolf!", Barrios said and left.
"Making friends with the likes of him might be a good idea, especially in this game. We could exchange information since we don't know anything ahead of us.", X thought to himself. Barrios gave off a playful nice guy feel according to X. However it's pretty much in X's nature to work alone, like X always preferred to.
1 I will refer to Extorsion as X for short. This will also be his nickname↩
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